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With research staff from more than 70 countries, and offices across the globe, IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.

researcher spotlight

Kinya Kaibung’a

Kinya Kaibung’a is a Research Officer with the Development Strategies and Governance Unit, based in Nairobi, Kenya. She has a keen interest in leveraging machine learning, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies to boost climate resilience and food security in smart agriculture systems.

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Nepal

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Publications

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Journal Article

Interpersonal communication and maternal behavioral practice: A case study of explanatory causal machine learning in Nepal

2026Kelcey, Ben; Cunningham, Kenda; Frongillo, Edward A.
Details

Interpersonal communication and maternal behavioral practice: A case study of explanatory causal machine learning in Nepal

Background There is increasing interest not only in whether a program produced impacts but also the mechanisms through which the impacts were produced. Studies of nutrition interventions have frequently highlighted the role of nutrition education interventions, but few studies have investigated the paths through which those interventions achieve impact. Objectives We assessed the total effect of maternal exposure to interpersonal communication with a frontline worker on behavioral practice and the degree to which that effect operated through 2 key pathways: improved awareness and knowledge. We also conducted a comparative case study examining the differences between machine learning (ML) and structural equation model (SEM) approaches. Methods We used data from the endline cross-sectional survey of the quasi-experimental Suaahara study of 2040 mothers with a child less than 2 years of age. We estimated the total effect of maternal exposure to interpersonal communication with a frontline worker on her nutrition-related practices and the indirect effects through improvements in awareness and knowledge using ML and conventional SEMs. Models were adjusted for household, child, and maternal factors as well as household location. Results Maternal exposure to interpersonal communication with a frontline worker translated into practicing more of the ideal, promoted nutrition-related practices. Both methods suggested a similar total effect—ML: 0.58 (95% CI: 0.37, 0.78) and SEM: 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.72). ML models, however, attributed a much larger proportion of that total effect to indirect effects operating through awareness and knowledge (ML: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.33; SEMs: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.21). Conclusions Interpersonal communication improved nutrition-related practices, in part due to increasing one’s awareness and knowledge. The disparities in results between ML and SEMs suggested that the production of effects is a more complex, nonlinear or interactive function of awareness, knowledge, treatment and covariates than what is captured by simple linear models.

Year published

2026

Authors

Kelcey, Ben; Cunningham, Kenda; Frongillo, Edward A.

Citation

Kelcey, Ben; Cunningham, Kenda; and Frongillo, Edward A. 2026. Interpersonal communication and maternal behavioral practice: A case study of explanatory causal machine learning in Nepal. Journal of Nutrition 156(8): 101657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101657

Country/Region

Nepal

Keywords

Asia; Southern Asia; Communication Strategies; Maternal Behaviour; Machine Learning; Digital Technology; Modelling; Nutrition

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101657 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

Resource thumbnail

Journal Article

Exposure to social and behavior change interventions directly and indirectly improved health and nutrition-related awareness, knowledge, and practices among male household heads and grandmothers in Nepal

2026Shakya, Evaniya; Cunningham, Kenda; Gupta, Aman S; Adhikari, Ramesh P; Kelcey, Benjamin; Rana, Pooja Pandey; Pun, Bhim; Frongillo, Edward A
Details

Exposure to social and behavior change interventions directly and indirectly improved health and nutrition-related awareness, knowledge, and practices among male household heads and grandmothers in Nepal

Background Adult family members often share household tasks and decision-making, including those related to health and nutrition. Beyond the important role of mothers, grandparents and fathers also often play key contributing roles for maternal and child nutrition and health. Objectives This study aimed to investigate whether exposure of male household heads (HHs) and grandmothers to social behavior change communication (SBCC) platforms was associated with ideal nutrition and health practices in their households and the mediating role of awareness and knowledge for this linkage. We also aimed to investigate whether key sociodemographic factors moderated these mediated paths. Methods We used data from the endline survey (2022) of Suaahara’s quasi-experimental impact evaluation. Our samples were limited to households with a child <2 that included male HHs (n = 982) and grandmothers (n = 817). Structural equation models, accounting for community-level clustering, were used to examine the mediation paths for male HHs and grandmothers separately. All models were adjusted for household wealth and caste/ethnicity, child age, and respondent (male HHs or grandmothers) age and education. Stratified models examined potential moderating factors: wealth (relatively poorer 40% compared with wealthier 60%), caste/ethnicity (upper compared with lower), and household structure (nuclear compared with joint). Results Greater exposure to SBCC was associated with greater awareness and, in turn, knowledge, and ultimately, maternal and child health and nutrition practices. Approximately 30% and 40% of the total association was mediated through this indirect path among male HHs and grandmothers, respectively. The indirect path through greater awareness and knowledge was stronger among male HHs from lower (compared with upper) caste/ethnic groups and nuclear (compared with joint) households, as well as wealthier (compared with poorer) grandmothers. Conclusions Family member engagement in SBCC interventions is an important mechanism for improving health and nutrition practices.

Year published

2026

Authors

Shakya, Evaniya; Cunningham, Kenda; Gupta, Aman S; Adhikari, Ramesh P; Kelcey, Benjamin; Rana, Pooja Pandey; Pun, Bhim; Frongillo, Edward A

Citation

Shakya, Evaniya; Cunningham, Kenda; Gupta, Aman S.; Adhikari, Ramesh P.; Kelcey, Benjamin; et al. 2026. Exposure to social and behavior change interventions directly and indirectly improved health and nutrition-related awareness, knowledge, and practices among male household heads and grandmothers in Nepal. Journal of Nutrition 156(7): 101576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101576

Country/Region

Nepal

Keywords

Asia; Southern Asia; Capacity Building; Health; Nutrition; Knowledge; Gender; Households

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101576 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

Resource thumbnail

Journal Article

Feasibility and readiness for scaling‐up multiple micronutrient supplements in Nepal: A qualitative study using the expandnet scaling‐up framework

2026
Hoang, Mai‐Anh; Joshi, Nira; Cunningham, Kenda; Singh, Usha; Lal, Bibek Kumar; Thapa, Lila Bikram; Pandey, Pooja; Klemm, Rolf; Rana, Yashodhara; Pokhrel, Sudip
…more Poudel, Sasmita
Details

Feasibility and readiness for scaling‐up multiple micronutrient supplements in Nepal: A qualitative study using the expandnet scaling‐up framework

Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy remain a critical public health issue in Nepal, where iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation alone has not fully addressed maternal and neonatal risks. Multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) promise broader nutritional benefits; however, real‐world guidance for their effective and equitable integration into routine maternal care is lacking. A qualitative study, guided by the ExpandNet scaling‐up framework, was conducted from February to March 2025, including 28 focus group discussions with antenatal care (ANC) providers and female community health volunteers (FCHVs) and 40 key informant interviews with policymakers at different levels of the health system. Data was analyzed thematically to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to MMS adoption, institutionalization, and scale‐up, and equitable implementation. Stakeholders viewed MMS as offering clear advantages over IFA, citing broader micronutrient coverage and fewer side effects that could improve adherence. However, they identified several system‐level requirements for successful scale‐up, including formal policy integration, sustainable financing, strengthened procurement and supply chains, and adequate storage capacity at facilities. FCHVs and ANC providers emphasized the need for clearer role definitions, improved training, and manageable counseling workloads. Persistent community‐level barriers—such as concerns about tablet size, misconceptions about fetal growth, and low trust in free medicines—were seen as risks to equitable uptake. Respondents highlighted community engagement, culturally tailored counseling, and consistent support for FCHVs and ANC providers as essential to ensuring effective and equitable MMS adoption. Stakeholders in Nepal view MMS as a promising strategy to improve maternal and newborn nutrition, but its potential depends on strong policy commitment, adequate and sustainable financing, and community‐centered implementation. Addressing product‐related concerns, strengthening counseling and trust in public services, and ensuring uninterrupted supply chains are essential to MMS scale‐up, including translating its introduction into equitable and meaningful gains in maternal and child nutrition.

Year published

2026

Authors

Hoang, Mai‐Anh; Joshi, Nira; Cunningham, Kenda; Singh, Usha; Lal, Bibek Kumar; Thapa, Lila Bikram; Pandey, Pooja; Klemm, Rolf; Rana, Yashodhara; Pokhrel, Sudip; Poudel, Sasmita

Citation

Hoang, Mai‐Anh; Joshi, Nira; Cunningham, Kenda; Singh, Usha; Lal, Bibek Kumar; et al. 2026. Feasibility and readiness for scaling‐up multiple micronutrient supplements in Nepal: A qualitative study using the expandnet scaling‐up framework. Maternal and Child Nutrition 22(3): e70231. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.70231

Country/Region

Nepal

Keywords

Asia; Southern Asia; Trace Elements; Supplements; Qualitative Analysis; Scaling Up; Frameworks; Perinatal Period; Maternal Nutrition

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.70231 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

Datasets

Dataset

Replication Data for Assessing Multicountry Programs Through a Reach, Benefit, Empower, Transform Lens

2025International Food Policy Research Institute
Details

Replication Data for Assessing Multicountry Programs Through a Reach, Benefit, Empower, Transform Lens

This dataset accompanies Quisumbing et al. (2023), Assessing multicountry programs through a Reach, Benefit, Empower, Transform lens (Global Food Security, 37, 100685). It contains the final cleaned data and do-files used to reproduce the studys analyses of the JP RWEE program in Ethiopia, Niger, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan. The surveys measure womens empowerment outcomes using pro-WEAI indicators, which apply stricter adequacy cut-offs than A-WEAI and extend beyond agriculture to other livelihood activities. The dataset retains the A-WEAI structure and weights to compute empowerment scores, empowerment status, and intrahousehold inequality measures. Data include two survey rounds in Ethiopia (baseline Dec 2016Jan 2017; endline FebMar 2019; 750 households, 723 panel cases) and Niger (baseline FebMar 2016; endline OctNov 2020; 580 households at baseline with replacement sampling for attrition), and one round each in Nepal (JanFeb 2021; 1,300 households and Kyrgyzstan (JanFeb 2021; 1,946 households. Each country sample includes a comparison group constructed using methods tailored to the local context. Because data collection was undertaken by external partners, IFPRI holds only the cleaned datasets and code used for the analyses.

Year published

2025

Authors

International Food Policy Research Institute

Citation

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). 2025. Replication Data for “Assessing Multicountry Programs Through a “Reach, Benefit, Empower, Transform” Lens”. Washington, DC: IFPRI [dataset]. https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/WIZ1PY. Harvard Dataverse. Version 1.

Country/Region

Ethiopia; Niger; Nepal; Kyrgyzstan

Keywords

Eastern Africa; Western Africa; Sub-saharan Africa; Africa; Southern Asia; Central Asia; Asia; Women’s Empowerment; Gender; Gender Equality; Productivity; Livelihoods; Impact Assessment

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.7910/dvn/wiz1py Source record

Project

Gender Equality

Record type

Dataset

Dataset

2022 Social Accounting Matrix for Nepal

2025International Food Policy Research Institute
Details

2022 Social Accounting Matrix for Nepal

The 2022 Nepal Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) follows IFPRI’s Standard Nexus SAM approach, by focusing on consistency, comparability, and transparency of data. The Nexus SAMs available on IFPRI’s website separates domestic production into 42 activities. Factors are disaggregated into labor, agricultural land, and capital, with labor further disaggregated across three education-based categories. The household account is divided into 10 representative household groups: Rural and urban households across per capita consumption quintiles. Nexus SAMs support the improvement of model-based research and policy analysis in developing countries and allow for more robust cross-country comparisons of national economic structures, especially agriculture-food systems.

Year published

2025

Authors

International Food Policy Research Institute

Citation

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). 2025. 2022 Social Accounting Matrix for Nepal. Washington, DC: IFPRI [dataset]. https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/FPQHBR. Harvard Dataverse. Version 1.

Country/Region

Nepal

Keywords

Southern Asia; Asia; Social Accounting Matrix; National Accounting; Household Consumption; Household Expenditure; Economic Indicators; Labour; Sex-disaggregated Data

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.7910/dvn/fpqhbr Source record

Project

National Policies and Strategies

Record type

Dataset

Dataset

TAFSSA District Agrifood Systems Assessment in Nepal 2023: Market Survey

2024International Rice Research Institute; International Food Policy Research Institute
Details

TAFSSA District Agrifood Systems Assessment in Nepal 2023: Market Survey

TAFSSA (Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia) is a CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative aimed at advancing equitable access to sustainable healthy diets, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and resilience, and conserving natural resources such as land, air, and water across South Asia. The TAFSSA district agrifood systems assessment seeks to establish a robust, accessible, and integrated evidence base that connects farm production, market access, dietary patterns, climate risk responses, and natural resource management, with gender considerations integrated throughout. The assessment focuses on rural areas in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, utilizing a district-level, multi-year approach. Data was collected between February and June 2023 in the Banke and Surkhet districts of Nepal. The survey covered 25 wards in each district, focusing on formal and informal multi-vendor markets offering a variety of food products. The survey utilized pretested, structured questionnaires divided into three distinct modules: 1. Interview-Based Module: Gathered information on vendors, assortments of essential goods, availability, resilience, food sourcing, food wastage, and dimensions of access and protection. 2. Observation + Photo-Based Module: Documented market details, infrastructure, and aspects related to food quality, safety, and hygiene. 3. Food List Module: Recorded the availability and prices of an extensive list of food items found in the markets.

Year published

2024

Authors

International Rice Research Institute; International Food Policy Research Institute

Citation

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI); International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). 2024. TAFSSA District Agrifood Systems Assessment in Nepal 2023: Market Survey. Washington, DC: IFPRI [dataset]. https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/POVL6D. Harvard Dataverse. Version 1.

Country/Region

Nepal

Keywords

Asia; Southern Asia; Agrifood Systems; Diet; Food Security; Gender Equality; Natural Resources; Climate Change; Waste Disposal; Market Access; Infrastructure; Impact Assessment

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.7910/dvn/povl6d Source record

Project

Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia

Record type

Dataset

Blogs

The economics of agricultural carbon markets: Nepal's opportunity and strategic options
Issue Post
 | 
July 29, 2026

The economics of agricultural carbon markets: Nepal’s opportunity and strategic options

By Arbind Chaudhary and Suresh Babu

A promising avenue for smallholder climate finance.

Beyond the harvest: Uncovering the hidden risks driving poverty and hunger in developing economies
Research Post
 | 
April 24, 2026

Beyond the harvest: Uncovering the hidden risks driving poverty and hunger in developing economies

By Askar Mukashov and Eleanor Jones

Systematic risk profiling reveals wide differences in country vulnerabilities.

Women at the center: Strengthening empowerment in fragile food systems
Event Post
 | 
December 03, 2025

Women at the center: Strengthening empowerment in fragile food systems

By Katrina Kosec

A key buffer against crises.

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Events

Conceptualizing and measuring dimensions of tenure security: Gendered analysis from Malawi, Bangladesh, and Nepal
IFPRI Program/Country Event

 | 

April 22, 2026, 9:00 – 10:00 am

Conceptualizing and measuring dimensions of tenure security: Gendered analysis from Malawi, Bangladesh, and Nepal

Women’s property rights and tenure security are recognized as critical for development policy and practice. Yet there is no consensus on how to conceptualize or measure these concepts.  In this paper, we explore the relationships among perceived tenure security (as reported by survey respondents), documentation, and the bundle of rights that are often used to […]

Delivering for Nutrition in South Asia: Towards Impact at Scale
IFPRI Program/Country Event

 | 

December 2 to 4, 2025

Delivering for Nutrition in South Asia: Towards Impact at Scale

South Asia continues to face an enduring burden of malnutrition in all its forms—undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a steady increase in overweight and obesity and non-communicable diseases. Over 1 billion people in South Asia cannot afford a healthy diet. While many promising solutions have emerged, translating them into sustained, large-scale impact remains a challenge. This […]

23rd International Congress of Nutrition (ICN)
IFPRI at External Event

 | 

August 24 to 29, 2025

23rd International Congress of Nutrition (ICN)

IFPRI is participating in the 23rd International Congress of Nutrition (ICN), hosted by the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) on August 24-29 in Paris, France.  The theme of this year’s congress is “Sustainable Food for Global Health,” bringing together experts to discuss evidence and innovations in nutrition, sustainability, food science, and public health. IFPRI […]

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News

June 16, 2023 | In the News

IFPRI: Rethink food crisis responses (Dhaka Tribune) 

“The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has called upon countries to rethink food crisis responses and build a resilient system that can withstand frequent volatility and shocks,” Dhaka Tribune writes in a piece about the South Asia launch of the 2023 Global Food Policy Report.  IFPRI has identified trade and safety net programs as […]

June 16, 2023 | In the News

Building popular support for post-conflict constitutions: Lessons from Nepal (The Brookings Institution) 

“In early 2023, the United Nations announced that the world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since World War II, with a majority of these being civil conflicts. Historically, ending civil conflict and fostering democratic transitions has involved constitutional reforms that address the grievances that originally sparked violence,” write IFPRI research fellow Jordan Kyle and […]

March 15, 2023 | In the News

Recalibrate BIMSTEC (Hindu Business Line)

In an op-ed published by Hindu Business Line, IFPRI South Asia’s Devesh Roy, Shahidur Rashid, and Mamata Pradhan write, “Trade and investment are major instruments to attain food security across the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) member-states, particularly in a climate-affected, post-pandemic world. However, trade and market integration is an area where the […]

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Projects

Ensuring Inclusiveness, Sustainability, and Efficiency of Food System Transformation in the ASEAN and BIMSTEC countries

Ensuring Inclusiveness, Sustainability, and Efficiency of Food System Transformation in the ASEAN and BIMSTEC countries

Background The project “Ensuring Inclusiveness, Sustainability, and Efficiency of Food System Transformation in the ASEAN and BIMSTEC Countries – (ATMI-II)” responds to the rapid transformation……

Groundwater governance: Managing the world’s most precious natural resource

Groundwater governance: Managing the world’s most precious natural resource

IFPRI’s research on natural resource governance addresses questions on how natural resources can best be managed, sustained, and restored, while improving livelihoods of the millions……

Consortium for Scaling-up Climate Smart Agriculture in South Asia

Consortium for Scaling-up Climate Smart Agriculture in South Asia

…

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