Link NCA Case Study: Abbdi District of Ouaddaï Region, Chad

The Link NCA method, based on the UNICEF conceptual framework on the causes of malnutrition, is a multisectoral, mixed-method approach that draws conclusions from a synthesis of results on nutrition causality. Link NCA relies on qualitative methods that are incorporated throughout the process, and quantitative methods from secondary data, SMART analyses and risk factor surveys. International Medical Corps implemented a Link NCA study over five months between September 2015 and January 2016 to determine the underlying causes and risk factors for undernutrition in the Abdi district. The quantitative methodology was designed to objectively evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and its risk factors, while the qualitative analysis sought to address questions regarding how or why malnutrition or good nutrition occurs. Both quantitative and qualitative data were then reviewed and triangulated through a participatory process to generate a consensus on undernutrition causality in the Abdi district. Results from the Link NCA study were used to adapt International Medical Corps’ already existing sectoral interventions for IYCF activities (an identified major risk factor) and to develop a larger multisectoral intervention strategy on nutrition security to reduce undernutrition beyond CMAM approaches.