Special Evaluation Study of Selected ADB Interventions on Nutrition and Food Fortification

Abstract

This special evaluation study (SES) reviewed and analyzed current and future nutrition and food fortification related issues. It also explored whether the links with malnutrition are included and examined in the Asian Development Bank's (ADB's) poverty assessments conducted in 24 developing member countries (DMCs), as well as 33 of ADB's country strategy and program updates (CSPUs). From 1985 until July 2004, ADB financed 31 regional technical assistance projects (RETAs) related to health, nutrition, population, and early child development (HNP-ECD) for a total of $32.8 million. Beginning in January 1996, ADB approved five RETAs directly related to enhancing nutrition conditions and setting the stage for ADB interventions in food fortification in 16 DMCs, totaling $11.7 million, out of which $8.8 million was financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR). The SES evaluated all of the RETAs on nutrition and food fortification, except technical assistance (TA) 9052-REG on Sustainable Food Fortification, which was recently approved and not implemented during the SES.