Abstract

This research examines the integration of maternal, infant, and young child nutrition behavior change communication into an existing participatory, video-based agricultural extension platform in rural Odisha, India. A cluster randomized controlled trial combined nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions with participatory videos and women’s group meetings to improve maternal and child dietary diversity. Complementary feasibility research assessed the adaptation of ten locally produced nutrition videos for dissemination through women’s self-help groups. The intervention was implemented with high fidelity and increased knowledge, motivation, and experimentation with recommended practices. Improvements were observed in maternal and child dietary diversity, though no measurable changes were found in anthropometric outcomes.

Summary

Participatory videos and facilitated group discussions increased women’s knowledge and confidence related to both agriculture and nutrition practices. Many households improved rainfed homestead garden cultivation for household consumption, contributing to improved dietary diversity. The nutrition-focused pilot was well-received by communities and perceived as complementary to existing health services. Experimentation with promoted nutrition behaviors was common among group members, but diffusion beyond direct participants was limited. Development and delivery of nutrition content required more technical support and coordination than agricultural content.

Interpretation of Results

The results suggest that agriculture platforms can be leveraged to deliver nutrition behavior change communication, particularly when built on trusted group structures and locally relevant video content. However, improvements in dietary diversity did not translate into measurable gains in maternal or child nutritional status, indicating that behavior change alone may be insufficient without addressing structural constraints such as workload, land access, irrigation, and intra-household decision making. The findings underscore the importance of engaging family members, strengthening links with health services, and designing strategies to expand message diffusion beyond core group participants.