Diploma In Food Security & Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies
Course Overview
Natural disasters as well as complex emergencies at times can have significant effects on household food security and nutritional status of the affected population. Assessing such impact and understanding the coping mechanisms of different affected social groups is needed to target, design and implement appropriate strategies that will protect and promote good nutrition and household food security throughout relief and rehabilitation responses. Activities in this area of study strive to strengthen capacity within governments and local institutions to design and implement such strategies and to improve collaboration among various organizations dealing directly with nutrition concerns in emergency relief and rehabilitation.
The course content examines food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies as they appear in different types of humanitarian emergencies. The course discusses the profiles of international relief organizations that are involved in nutrition and food assistance are presented and common nutrition and food assistance interventions in emergency settings. Factors contributing to food insecurity are considered and various response modalities, including in-kind assistance and cash-based approaches, are discussed.
The program provides students with competencies.
Module 1; Overview of Human Nutrition
- Introduction
- The Science of Nutrition
- Planning a Healthy Diet
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Protein
- Vitamins
- Digestion
Module 2: Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies
- Introduction
- Definitions of Concepts
- Agencies Involved in Emergency Response
- Types of Emergencies
- Nutrition & Health Issues in Emergency Situations
- Assessment of Nutrition Status
- Assessment of Health Status in Emergencies
- Assessment of Food Security in Emergencies
- Human Rights Based Approaches
- Nutrition Interventions in Emergencies
- Health Interventions in Emergencies
- Food Security and Livelihoods Interventions
Module 3; Nutrition and Food Security
- Introduction and Definition of Terms
- Vulnerability to Food and Nutritional Insecurity
- Dimensions of Food Security
- Factors Associated with Food and Nutrition Security (1)
- Factors Associated with Food and Nutrition Security (2)
- Food Security Monitoring Systems
- Outcomes of Food and Nutrition Insecurity and Coping Strategies
- Agricultural Approaches for Creating Food Security
- Intervention during Chronic Food Insecurity
- Food Policies and Food Balance Sheets
Module 4; Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies
- Introduction to Nutrition in Emergencies
- Common Nutrition Related Problems in Emergencies
- Causes of Malnutrition in Emergencies
- Vulnerability and Targeting in Emergency
- Methods of Nutrition Assessment in Emergency
- Nutrition Information Systems in Emergencies
- Food Aid
- Community Based Therapeutic Care
- Livelihood Support in Emergencies
- Monitoring and Evaluation in Nutrition in Emergencies
- Humanitarian Assistance and Standards
There are four assignments (continuous assessment tests), a research paper and one examination to be offered at the end of the course. Assignments account for 40%, research paper accounts for 30% while Examination accounts for 30% of the mark. Upon completion of the course, you shall be issued a Diploma Certificate and a course transcript.
Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will receive a Diploma Certificate of Merit and a transcript.
Duration: 6 Months
Fee: $700
