ECSC SUN

ECSC-SUN End-line Evaluation Findings Validated to Inform Future Nutrition Programming
The ECSC-SUN Project End-line Evaluation Findings Validation Workshop was successfully held on 24 August 2026 at Ramada Hotel, Addis Ababa. The workshop brings together representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, coalition members, and project implementers.
The end-line evaluation assessed the six-year ECSC-SUN project at national and sub-national levels, focusing on its contribution to nutrition governance, coordination, accountability, and evidence generation. It also examined the impact of the community-based Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) and Adolescent Initiative (AI) pilot interventions implemented in Afar, Tigray, and Somali regions.
During the workshop, the consultant presented the evaluation findings, followed by robust discussions on the assessment methodology, key findings, and recommendations. Participants raised critical questions and provided valuable feedback to validate the findings and strengthen the recommendations for future programming.
Among the key findings presented:
✅ The project supported strengthened nutrition governance, including advocacy efforts that contributed to a directive requiring key sector bureaus in Afar to allocate 2% of their annual budgets to nutrition-related activities.
✅ 97.2% of women project participants (recipient ) reported increased income following participation in project-supported livelihood activities.
✅ Among adolescent participants, 94.9% shared nutrition messages within their families and communities, while 77.6% established household gardens, demonstrating positive behavior change and community impact.
The workshop concluded with agreement on priority action points and recommendations aimed at sustaining project achievements, strengthening accountability mechanisms, enhancing disability inclusion, improving women's access to finance, and further institutionalizing nutrition governance and coordination systems at national and regional levels.

ECSC-SUN Secretariat Advances Efforts to Revitalize Somali Regional Platform
The ECSC-SUN Secretariat met with Mercy Corps and Save the Children in the Somali Region to discuss the status of the regional ECSC-SUN platform. The discussion focused on reviewing the status of the regional platform and identifying ways to strengthen its functionality, coordination, and member engagement.
As part of a Supportive Supervision and Platform Strengthening Visit to the Somali Region, the ECSC-SUN Secretariat met with Mercy Corps, the Regional Platform Lead, and Save the Children, the Regional Co-lead.
The visit was organized in response to limited communication and reporting between the Somali Regional platform and the National Secretariat, as well as reduced visibility regarding the functionality of the Regional Steering Committee and member engagement.
During the consultation, Mercy Corps highlighted its previous contributions to the platform, including support for translating the Food and Nutrition Strategy into the Somali language to improve accessibility for local stakeholders. Although the translated document was not formally endorsed, the initiative reflected the organization's commitment to advancing nutrition coordination in the region.
The discussions were productive and resulted in a set of concrete actions to restore the platform's functionality and strengthen regional coordination:
✅ Collect and organize key platform documents, including the Terms of Reference (ToR), Steering Committee records, membership information, and meeting minutes to rebuild institutional memory.
✅ Map local and international civil society organizations implementing nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions across the Somali Region.
✅ Strengthen collaboration with the Regional Food and Nutrition Coordination Office and establish closer working relationships to improve coordination and collective action.
The meeting marks an important step toward revitalizing the Somali Regional ECSC-SUN platform, improving accountability and communication, and fostering stronger partnerships among civil society organizations, government institutions, and development partners to advance nutrition outcomes for communities across the region.
#𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

Assessment Findings Highlight Opportunities to Strengthen Nutrition Advocacy
The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN), in collaboration with Action Against Hunger (ACF) and with technical and financial support from the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), convened a Workshop in Addis Ababa to review preliminary findings from a small-scale Organizational Capacity Assessment conducted among selected ECSC-SUN member organizations, alongside a survey on the capacity of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) and Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) initiatives.
The assessment explored the current capacities of participating in civil society organizations (CSOs) and identified key strengths, gaps, and opportunities to enhance their contribution to nutrition advocacy and accountability efforts. Preliminary findings revealed several areas requiring capacity strengthening, particularly in the use of budget tracking, budget analysis, expenditure tracing, and social accountability tools to effectively monitor nutrition investments and influence policy decisions.
Participants reviewed the preliminary findings and discussed practical recommendations to strengthen CSO engagement in evidence-based advocacy. The assessment recommended targeted capacity-building initiatives to enhance members' technical knowledge, advocacy skills, and ability to generate and use evidence for policy engagement and accountability.
The preliminary findings and recommendations will provide important evidence to inform the capacity gap of the Partnerships and Innovations for Nutrition in Nigeria and Ethiopia (PINNS 3.0) Project, particularly in strengthening CSO-led advocacy efforts and promoting sustainable nutrition interventions.
The workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, the private sector, and nutrition experts to discuss the findings and identify priority actions for strengthening nutrition advocacy, accountability, and program implementation across the country.

CS-SUNN PINNS 3.0 Officially Launched to Strengthen Nutrition Advocacy in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN), in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the Ministry of Health, has officially launched the CS-SUNN PINNS 3.0 Project in Addis Ababa. The two-year initiative aims to strengthen civil society leadership, enhance nutrition advocacy, promote evidence-based policymaking, and increase engagement in nutrition financing across Ethiopia.

A key focus of the project is advancing Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women and scaling up Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) to address critical nutrition challenges. Through multi-stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, policy advocacy, accountability mechanisms, and knowledge-sharing platforms, the initiative seeks to improve nutrition outcomes for women, children, and vulnerable communities nationwide.

The launch brought together government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, researchers, professional associations, and private-sector actors, reaffirming a shared commitment to building a healthier and more nutrition-secure future for Ethiopia.

Food and Nutrition Stakeholders Review Progress and Set Priorities for 2019 EFY in Adama
Adama, Ethiopia | July 13–16, 2026
Government institutions, implementing sectors, and development partners convened in Adama for the 2018 EFY Food and Nutrition Technical Committee Annual Review and Annual Planning Meeting to review progress, discuss findings from the 2018 Joint Supportive Supervision (JSS), and identify priorities for the 2019 EFY Food and Nutrition Plan.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and other government institutions, alongside development partners including CARE, World Vision, Save the Children, FHI 360 Alive & Thrive, ECSC-SUN, and other nutrition stakeholders.
Throughout the four-day event, participants engaged in interactive presentations, panel discussions, and group work sessions, creating a platform for experience sharing, joint problem-solving, and collaborative planning. The discussions underscored the importance of a coordinated, multisectoral approach to addressing malnutrition and improving food and nutrition security across Ethiopia.
Progress and Key Achievements
Participants reviewed achievements recorded during the past year, highlighting strengthened collaboration among sectors and partners to improve nutrition outcomes nationwide. Progress was reported in the expansion of school feeding and nutrition initiatives, improvements in food safety and quality systems, and ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and food availability through research and innovation.
The meeting also recognized advances in integrated One WASH initiatives, which have improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services as critical interventions for preventing malnutrition and reducing disease burden among vulnerable populations.
Stakeholders further noted efforts to empower women across food production, processing, and food preparation activities, recognizing their vital role in ensuring household food security and better nutrition outcomes for children and families.
An important cross-cutting theme highlighted during the meeting was the growing application of the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Triple Nexus approach, which aims to strengthen collaboration across emergency response, long-term development, and peace-building efforts to build more resilient communities and sustainable nutrition outcomes.
Priorities for 2019 EFY
Participants agreed on several priorities for the coming year, including:
• Strengthening integrated food and nutrition interventions across sectors.
• Expanding school health and nutrition programs and innovative approaches to improve access to nutritious foods.
• Scaling up One WASH interventions to support malnutrition prevention and improved health outcomes.
• Strengthening food safety, food quality assurance, and food fortification initiatives.
• Promoting women's empowerment and participation throughout food systems and value chains.
• Enhancing research, evidence generation, monitoring, and learning to inform policy and programming.
• Advancing the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus approach to strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable nutrition gains.
• Improving coordination, accountability, and joint planning among government institutions and development partners.
During the closing session on July 16, 2026, participants agreed that the refined 2019 EFY Food and Nutrition Plan would be submitted within one week, while the final official plan is expected to be finalized within one month.
In his closing remarks, Yonatan Mamo, Multisectoral and Seqota declaration coordination Desk Lead at the Ministry of Health, expressed appreciation to ECSC-SUN and other development partners for their continued technical support and commitment to advancing Ethiopia's food and nutrition agenda.

A new milestone for nutrition coordination in Ethiopia!
We are excited to announce the official launch of the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional ECSC-SUN Platform, now the 9th Sub-National Platform established by the Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN).
The launch, held in Assosa, brought together more than 28 representatives from civil society organizations, international and national NGOs, regional government offices, and the Regional Food and Nutrition Technical Committee to strengthen collaboration and collective action for improved nutrition outcomes.
A 7-member Steering Committee was elected, with Plan International serving as Chair and Action Against Hunger as Co-Chair.
Together, we are strengthening partnerships, amplifying civil society voices, and accelerating efforts toward a well-nourished Ethiopia.
🤝 Thank you to all partners, government stakeholders, and participating organizations who made this milestone possible.

Civil Society’s Role in Advancing Ethiopia’s Food Systems and Nutrition Agenda
Ethiopia has taken a historic step forward with the endorsement of the Food Systems and Nutrition Proclamation by the House of People’s Representatives. This milestone signals strong national commitment to building a more coordinated, inclusive, and accountable food and nutrition system.
ECSC-SUN is proud to have contributed to this achievement as the collective voice of civil society. Throughout the process, the coalition provided technical input, supported inclusive national and sub-national consultations, and advocated for meaningful multi-stakeholder engagement—ensuring that the proclamation reflects an evidence-based and participatory approach.
This progress underscores the power of collaboration among government, civil society, and development partners. While the endorsement marks a significant milestone, the real impact will depend on effective implementation and sustained collective action.
ECSC-SUN remains committed to supporting this next phase—strengthening accountability, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that the proclamation translates into improved food system and nutrition outcomes for all Ethiopians.

Photo credit: House of Peoples Representatives of FDRE

Ethiopia Strengthens Youth Leadership in Nutrition and Food Systems
Ethiopia is taking an important step toward inclusive development with the establishment of the Ethiopia SUN Youth Network (SUN-YN)—a platform designed to empower young people as leaders, innovators, and advocates in advancing the country’s food and nutrition agenda.
As part of the global Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, Ethiopia continues to build on its multisectoral efforts to address malnutrition. The SUN Youth Network aims to fill a critical gap by institutionalizing youth engagement in nutrition governance and decision-making processes.
A national consultative workshop held on June 18, 2026, in Addis Ababa brought together key stakeholders, including government institutions, SUN networks, youth organizations, and development partners—to lay the foundation for the network. The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) is proud to have supported this consultative workshop both technically and financially and reaffirms its strong commitment to assist in the establishment of the Ethiopia SUN Youth Network.
✅ Identified youth-led and youth-serving organizations
✅ Developed a draft framework for the network
✅ Outlined next steps for formal establishment
With nearly 40% of Ethiopia’s population being young people, this initiative recognizes youth as a powerful force for driving innovation, strengthening accountability, and promoting sustainable food systems.
🤝 The Ethiopia SUN Youth Network will play a critical role in supporting national priorities, including the Food and Nutrition Strategy and the Seqota Declaration, while ensuring that youth voices are at the center of action for improved nutrition outcomes.

CSOs Unite to Strengthen Nutrition in Amhara
The ECSC-SUN Amhara Regional Support Platform held a productive review meeting on 18 June, bringing together 14 participants from 11 civil society organizations to boost collaboration and coordination on nutrition.
Discussions highlighted the need to revitalize the platform, address key challenges such as low participation and limited resources, and strengthen partnerships to drive impact.
✅ Key outcomes:
• Agreement to establish a Steering Committee to guide progress
• Commitment to strengthen coordination and governance
• Improved collaboration and communication among members
Together, participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to improve nutrition outcomes and support communities across the Amhara Region. 💚

Strengthening Regional Action to Address Malnutrition in Afar
The Afar Regional ECSC-SUN (Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition) Coordination and Learning Workshop, organized by Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, was successfully held on June 17, 2026, in Semera (Dini Hotel).
The workshop brought together regional stakeholders to enhance collaboration and advance nutrition outcomes.
The Afar Region ECSC-SUN coordination platform, led by Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia with Save the Children serving as co-chair, continues to play a critical role in driving multisectoral nutrition efforts across the region.
In his opening remarks, Regional Health Bureau official Wasse highlighted that Afar remains one of the regions with a high burden of malnutrition and stunting, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger collaboration and reinforced coalition efforts to address the challenge.
The ECSC-SUN Secretariat provided insights into the global Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, highlighting ECSC-SUN strategic objectives, key achievements, ongoing challenges, and priority actions to accelerate progress.
In a separate presentation, Amref representative Mohamed Abrar delivered an overview of the regional ECSC-SUN initiatives.
Participants also reviewed updates on regional nutrition status, multisectoral coordination, and food and nutrition security progress, alongside partner experiences and success stories that showcased impactful interventions on the ground.
The workshop further explored the nutrition financing landscape and concluded with a clear set of next steps and priorities to strengthen coordination and scale up effective responses.
The event reaffirmed partners’ shared commitment to strengthening the ECSC-SUN coalition and accelerating coordinated action to reduce malnutrition and improve community health outcomes in Afar.