Community-Based Research, Setting the Scene

Six explanations are given for the general failure of the scientific, academic and donor communities to make nutrition research action oriented: academic orientation, academic bias, 'roadside development', shortage of human resources, discipline orientation, and a lack of suitable conceptual models. Four new research approaches are suggested: i) the use of Rapid Rural Appraisal; ii) Rapid Assessment Procedures; iii) utilization of local knowledge; iv) application of social marketing practices. It is concluded that nutrition research needs to be conducted by multidisciplinary teams using an eclectic mix of research methods which fully engage community knowledge.