Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41239539›Full record

SynthesisBMC nutrition2025

A systematic review of the impact of food and nutrition programs on child nutrition and household food security in Ethiopia.

Kassahun Ayele, Meron Demisew, Habtamu Fekadu Gemede

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC nutrition, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Kassahun AyeleDepartment of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia. kassahunayele23@gmail.com.
Meron DemisewDepartment of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Habtamu Fekadu GemedeDepartment of Food Science and Applied Human Nutrition Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDespite Ethiopia's agricultural potential and policy efforts, food insecurity and malnutrition remain major challenges, particularly among children. The Ethiopian government has launched programs to improve food security and nutrition in the country. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing child malnutrition and food insecurity has not been comprehensively reviewed yet.

methodsA systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted to evaluate the impact of food and nutrition programs on child nutrition and household food security in Ethiopia. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified relevant studies published between 2015 and March 2025. Fourteen studies focusing on various program types in the country were included.

resultsStudies have reported inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of food and nutrition programs in improving child anthropometry and household food security outcomes. Combined programs positively affected child nutrition, including reduced stunting and wasting, whereas single programs had limited impact. Program effectiveness varies by geography, seasonality, and socioeconomic conditions. Multicomponent programs, women's empowerment, and community engagement were critical to effectiveness.

conclusionThis review highlights the importance of multi-component interventions in enhancing child nutrition and food security. Policymakers should design context-specific interventions that address geographical, seasonal, and socioeconomic variation. Future programs should focus on long-term sustainability, maternal and child health education, improved access to nutritious foods, strengthening social safety nets, and integrating programs. Enhanced community engagement and further investigation into the long-term effects of these programs are crucial for their efficacy and resilience against climate change and economic challenges.

Indexed as

ChildEthiopiaFoodFood securityHouseholdNutritionPrograms

Identifiers

PMID41239539
PMCPMC12619373

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.