Lack of sufficient analytical capacity in most of the developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa has been frequently suggested as a major factor determining the appropriateness of food and nutrition policy interventions. This paper documents an approach implemented in Malawi for the past seven years to develop multi-disciplinary capacity to analyze food and nutrition policies and programs. A conceptual framework for identifying the areas of capacity strengthening in food and nutrition planning and policy analysis is developed. Generalizable lessons from the Malawi experience are presented. Various issues that relate to enhancing the efficiency of capacity strengthening programs in sub-Saharan Africa are addressed. It is argued that continuous dialogue between food and nutrition researchers and policy decision makers and between the trainers in academic institutions and donor agencies is fundamental for achieving the goals of improved capacity for food and nutrition policy analysis.
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