Post Graduate Diploma in Food Security and Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies

Post Graduate Diploma in Food Security and Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies

Course Overview

Natural disasters as well as complex emergencies at times can have significant effects on household food security and the nutritional status of the affected population. Assessing the impact and understanding the coping mechanisms of different affected social groups are 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 the capacity of 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 will examine 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.

• Course MOODULES:
  1. Fundamental Concepts: Students are introduced to fundamental concepts in food security, nutrition, and humanitarian emergencies. They gain insight into the causes and consequences of food insecurity, malnutrition, and the unique challenges posed by emergency situations.

  2. Assessment and Analysis: The program covers methods for assessing and analyzing nutritional needs in emergency settings. Students learn how to conduct nutritional assessments, interpret data, and make evidence-based recommendations for intervention strategies.

  3. Humanitarian Interventions: Students explore a wide range of interventions aimed at improving food security and nutrition during emergencies. This includes the study of food distribution systems, cash transfer programs, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and therapeutic feeding programs.

  4. Public Health and Hygiene: The course emphasizes the importance of public health measures in humanitarian contexts. Students learn about disease prevention, sanitation, hygiene promotion, and the design and implementation of effective WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs.

  5. Policy and Advocacy: Participants study international policies and frameworks related to food security and nutrition. They learn how to advocate for policies that support food security initiatives and advocate for the needs of vulnerable populations during emergencies.

  6. Research and Evaluation: The program covers research methods relevant to humanitarian nutrition, including qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Students also learn about monitoring and evaluation methods to assess the impact of interventions and improve program effectiveness.

  7. Ethical and Cultural Considerations: Students explore ethical considerations related to conducting research and providing aid in diverse cultural contexts. Cultural sensitivity and understanding local norms and practices are emphasized to ensure respectful and effective interventions.

  8. Field Experience: Many programs incorporate practical experiences, such as field visits or simulated emergency scenarios. These experiences provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

  9. RESEARCH PAPER

     FINAL EXAM 

     Certification

     Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued a certificate.

  Upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Food Security and Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies, graduates are well-equipped to work as humanitarian nutritionists, food security coordinators, program managers, and policy advisors. They contribute significantly to efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected populations and building resilience in communities facing emergencies.