Location: National (Nepal)
Timeline: Ongoing
Partner: Mangalayan Foundation
1. Objectives of the Project
Main Objective:
To identify evidence gaps in nutrition research in Nepal and provide strategic recommendations for future studies through a life-cycle approach.
Specific Objectives:
- Conduct a systematic review of national nutrition research publications and reports.
- Map the existing body of evidence on nutrition across all life stages — from infancy to old age.
- Identify areas where research is limited, outdated, or lacking in evidence.
- Develop a set of recommendations to guide policymakers, researchers, and academic institutions for future nutrition research priorities in Nepal.
2. Project Area
The project is national in scope, addressing nutrition research conducted across Nepal.
- Focus: Evidence synthesis and gap identification in nutrition research.
- Approach: Systematic review and evidence mapping using national and international literature sources.
- Perspective: Life-cycle nutrition — focusing on different stages of human development and their nutritional needs.
3. Snapshot of Project Activities
| Establishment of collaboration between Apara Innovations and Mangalayan Foundation |
| Development of research framework and systematic review protocol |
| Comprehensive literature search and screening of relevant studies |
| Data extraction and evidence synthesis |
| Identification of key evidence gaps and thematic research areas |
| Drafting of the systematic review report and gap analysis |
| Development of policy and research recommendations |
| Dissemination of findings through workshops, reports, and publications |
4. Benefits of the Project
Research and Policy Benefits
- Provides a consolidated overview of Nepal’s existing nutrition research landscape.
- Informs research prioritization for evidence-based nutrition policymaking.
- Strengthens national capacity in systematic review and evidence synthesis methodologies.
Academic Benefits
- Serves as a foundational reference for researchers and students engaged in nutrition studies.
- Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among research institutions.
Public Health Benefits
- Supports improved understanding of nutritional challenges across life stages.
- Contributes to designing more effective nutrition programs and interventions in Nepal.
5. Collaborators
- Apara Innovations
- Mangalayan Foundation
6. Project Leads
Dr. Sujata Sapkota
Co-founder, Apara Innovations
- Leads the coordination, methodology design, and evidence synthesis process.
Mangalayan Foundation Research Team
- Responsible for literature review, data analysis, and validation of findings.