Changing behaviors to combat malnutrition in Rwanda through a behavioral science-based approach

In Rwanda, high rates of child malnutrition and poverty significantly affect health outcomes particularly in rural areas. 33% of children under five suffer from stunting, which hinders cognitive and physical development and impacts future productivity. Limited acces to information and support for pregnant women, dietary diversity and water treatment further compound these issues with only 32% of women of reproductive age meeting basic dietary needs and 19.5% of children receiving an adequate diet (ECD scorecard, 2022).

To address these challenges, the Government of Rwanda and the World Bank launched the Social Protection Transformation Project, including initiatives like the Vision Umurenge Program to improve health and nutrition outcomes through cash transfers and public works, reaching over 270,000 beneficiaries. Despite these efforts, only 41% of participants follow through on balanced diets for children, highlighting the need for additional support to transform knowledge into action.

In partnership with the Government of Rwanda, Ideas42 developed strategies based on behavioral interventions to support households with young children. These interventions are rooted in psychological and social principles aimed at encouraging the adoption of beneficial practices.

With FID funding, Ideas42 will test three specific interventions integrated within two already-existing programs (the "Expanded Public Works" program and "Nutrition-Sensitive Direct Support" program) to promote essential health practices.

These interventions include:

• A nutrition planning activity-guiding parents through structured sessions to incorporate more animal-source proteins into their children’s diets.
• A safe water planning activity where parents receive guidance on maintaining clean drinking water through monthly planning and reminder sessions.
• A healthy pregnancy planning activity where clinic staff work with pregnant mothers to improve protein intake during pregnancy.

These interventions were piloted in Bugesera District. This pilot assessed the feasibility of these activities and their integration into routine community health sessions.

This project aims to demonstrate how targeted changes in behavioral habits can increase protein consumption and improve water safety for young children in Rwanda. By helping families overcome challenges in food budgeting and water cleaning, the program is expected to increase the frequency of protein-rich meals and ensure safer drinking water practices.

Results from this impact evaluation will help fine-tune these interventions, with the overall goal of supporting healthier growth for young children and reducing long-term malnutrition.