The MAM’Out project is a groundbreaking study that explores the potential of cash transfers as a preventive measure against acute malnutrition in children under 36 months in Burkina Faso. This research offers valuable insights for practitioners looking to enhance their strategies in combating child malnutrition.
The Context and Need for the Study
Globally, at least 52 million children suffer from wasting, a severe form of malnutrition. Traditional interventions often focus on direct food aid, which can be costly and unsustainable. The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of preventive strategies that do not rely solely on food products. This is where the MAM’Out project steps in, aiming to fill the evidence gap with a novel approach.
The Study Design
The MAM’Out project is designed as a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in the Tapoa province of Burkina Faso. The study targets economically vulnerable households with children under one year old at inclusion. Villages were randomized into two groups: one receiving cash transfers via mobile phones and a control group without such intervention.
Objectives and Methodology
- Primary Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multiannual and seasonal cash transfers (MCTs) in preventing acute malnutrition.
- Specific Objectives:
- Measure the reduction in incidence of acute malnutrition and morbidity.
- Evaluate growth and development impacts on young children.
- Assess influence on food security and access to health centers.
The cash transfers are unconditional, allowing mothers to decide how best to use the funds for their families' needs. Data collection includes child anthropometry, dietary diversity, health center usage, family expenses, and more, complemented by qualitative data from interviews and focus groups.
Key Findings and Implications for Practice
The MAM’Out project demonstrates that cash transfers can effectively reduce barriers to accessing nutritious food and healthcare. This approach shows promise in improving diet quality, food security, and overall child health outcomes.
For Practitioners:
- Adopt Cash Transfers: Consider integrating cash transfer programs into your practice as a complementary strategy to traditional nutritional interventions.
- Focus on Empowerment: Empower mothers by providing them with resources and autonomy to make decisions that best suit their families' needs.
- Encourage Further Research: The pathways through which cash transfers impact nutrition are not fully understood. Conducting further studies can help clarify these mechanisms and optimize interventions.
Challenges and Considerations
The implementation of such programs is not without challenges. Delays due to ethical clearances and shifts from paper-based to electronic data collection were encountered during the study. Practitioners should be prepared for such logistical hurdles when adopting similar approaches.
Conclusion
The MAM’Out project offers compelling evidence supporting the use of cash transfers as a preventive measure against child malnutrition. By integrating these findings into practice, practitioners can contribute to more sustainable and effective nutritional interventions.
