From the editor

The role of data and analytical tools in guiding and evaluating emergency programming figures strongly in this issue of Field Exchange. There are two field articles which shine light on the causes of malnutrition in very different contexts. ACF-USA carried out a baseline survey in an area of the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC) where high levels of Konzo are reported.

The survey identified key causes of Konzo which included not using enough water during cassava preparation underpinned by lack of access to water. Programme recommendations were framed accordingly. The second article, written by FSANU, examined trends in rates of malnutrition amongst pastoralists in Somalia and showed how these are strongly correlated with milk availability and seasonal factors. This finding is in line with other work reported in Field Exchange.

Read the full editorial