The stakeholder engagement workshop organized by the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) on reinforcing nutrition and household resilience in Northern Ghana using digital communication is an important initiative aimed at addressing nutrition and health issues in the region.

The research project led by ISSER at the University of Ghana, Legon, in collaboration with the International Center for Evaluation and Development (ICED), focuses on utilizing Interactive Voice Response (IVR) messages to communicate nutrition and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) education to rural communities in Northern Ghana.

The project’s research findings, resulting from three years of fieldwork across four Northern regions and 232 rural communities, provide valuable insights into ways to promote positive nutrition and health outcomes among the rural poor in the region.

The policy-relevant results obtained from the research will likely inform future interventions and initiatives aimed at improving household behaviors and overall health in the communities studied.

Professor Robert Darko Osei, the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Ghana, Legon, shared details of the research project, including its challenges, recommendations, and outcomes, during a media briefing.

This transparency and dissemination of research findings are crucial for knowledge sharing and ensuring that the outcomes of the project are effectively communicated to stakeholders and the wider public.

Furthermore, the advice provided by Madam Nadia, a participant and nutritionist at the workshop, underscores the importance of local foods such as TZ and Ayoyo in promoting good nutrition and health outcomes for children.

Her recommendation for parents to prioritize feeding their children with nutritious local foods and avoid fatty foods reflects the significance of culturally appropriate dietary choices in enhancing overall well-being and combating malnutrition.

The stakeholder engagement workshop and the research project led by ISSER and ICED showcase the collaborative efforts to address nutrition and health challenges in Northern Ghana using innovative digital communication strategies. The insights and recommendations emerging from this research have the potential to shape future interventions and policies aimed at reinforcing household resilience and improving nutrition outcomes in the region.