Purpose: To investigate characteristics of community-based issues in nutrition and to assess the effectiveness of a training programme developed to address them. Design: The JICA trainee was the chief of the nutrition section of the Nepali Ministry of Health. The project was undertaken after reviewing, in co-operation with JICA, the aims and expected results of the programme. The Nepali trainee alone determined the theme of the programme after considering results of an issue analysis. A programme was then designed to link policy with community realities, incorporating lectures, discussion, and on-site practice. Educational materials employed were those already in use in nutrition programmes both within Japan and in other countries. To create a plan of action, the trainee undertook an analysis of the Nepali communities' institutional and human resources. Evaluation of the training programme took place on two levels. The trainee self-evaluated her own issues analysis, community resource assessments, and action plan. Additionally, comments made by the trainee during the training period were recorded, categorized and evaluated. Results:
1. The trainee's analysis of the action plan:
1-1. Community issues were analyzed with support of the Japanese staff. The theme of the training was "Awareness of community resources is an essential part of any nutritional programme". 1-2. Through the analysis of institutional and human resources, the "Tea Shop" was found to be key to the community's nutritional improvement.
2. Staff analysis of the trainee's comments:
2-1. Five stages in the change of the trainee's attitude were observed. First stage: Shouldn't the responsibility for resolving nutritional issues be with local workers and organizations? Second stage: What are the needs of the local citizens? Third stage: What are the responsibilities of the leaders? Fourth stage: What is needed for me to fulfill my duties? Fifth stage: What is the first thing I should do after returning to my office?
2-2. Support by staff was thought to be effective in making clear the tasks required of the trainee, in providing a framework for understanding the issues from the community viewpoint, identifying methods for establishing links between community and government and making government-produced materials relevant to the community, informing the process of educational materials development, and analyzing community resources.
