Assessing the Effectiveness of Community-Based Nutritional Programs on Preventing Stunting in Rural Children

Abstract

Community-based nutrition programs are central to Indonesia's strategy for reducing stunting, especially in hard-to-reach rural populations. This study assessed the effectiveness of an integrated community intervention in East Nusa Tenggara, involving 420 children under five. The intervention consisted of monthly growth monitoring, provision of supplementary food using local ingredients, caregiver education, and capacity building for Posyandu cadres. Over a 12-month period, stunting prevalence declined from 42.3% to 28.7% (p<0.01). Improvement was also observed in maternal knowledge scores and child dietary diversity. Qualitative feedback indicated that consistent volunteer involvement and local government support were critical to program success. However, logistical issues and seasonal food shortages presented ongoing challenges. This study highlights that community ownership and culturally relevant practices are essential for program sustainability. Future programs should ensure linkage with primary healthcare systems and address broader food system constraints to amplify impact.