Rapid Assessment of Nutrition - RAN - Advantages and Limitations

Provides information on nutrition before a final decision on the nature of the project is made (project identification). Is partly participatory since the perception of the problems and needs of the population is assessed through group discussions. Provides a methodology for choosing alternatives or different affected areas through comparing existing indicators or surveys (if available). Provides tools and semi-structured guidelines for sensitisation on nutritional problems. Is a relatively open method, where different subjects and areas, as well as different participatory approaches for data collection, are combined. Provides important information on institutional and organisational aspects and capacities. Integrates local specialists in the screening process. Can be applied in a relatively short time frame (3 weeks). Provides the possibility of negotiation with the local institutions and government officers, and making them more sensible regarding nutrition.

Is a resource consuming additional methodology, during project identification. (At least two specialists from different disciplines should be engaged in the RAN mission.) Needs specific knowledge on nutrition, rapid appraisal approach, management of participatory needs assessment and data analysis for adequate interpretation of the results. Is not objective or quantitatively assured, but appreciative! Is not a sufficient tool to assess all aspects of the nutritional situation. Nutrition is a complex subject and needs to combine different quantitative and qualitative methodologies, as described in the Nutrition Baseline Survey Methodology. A general criticism of all assessment methods within deprived areas is that there will be no service or intervention, in all survey regions, after RAN assessment procedures have been finished.