Monitoring evaluation

A monitoring and evaluation system is an integral part of any food fortification program. Information provided through the M&E system is essential for sound decision making.

• Regulatory monitoring is carried out by both the public and the private sector.
• Industry uses an internal quality assurance and quality control system to monitor implementation on an ongoing basis, while government agencies carry out both external monitoring at the factory and packing level, and commercial monitoring at retail level, to verify quality and compliance with legal requirements. It provides information to assure the quality of program implementation, and assess whether the program is reaching the intended beneficiaries.
• Household or individual level monitoring and evaluation is a public sector responsibility and consists of monitoring at household level, to determine provision of fortified food, utilization and coverage.

Impact evaluation determines the impact of the food fortification program on consumption, and biochemical, clinical and functional outcomes.

The figure presents a framework for the various monitoring and evaluation activites that make up a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system for food fortification programmes.
Source: Allen, L, de Benoist, B, Dary, O & Hurrell, R.(2006). Guidelines on food fortification with micronutrients. Geneva. WHO and FAO, p 179.

For detailed guidelines on the design and implementation of the various components of a monitoring and evaluation system, consult the WHO FAO publication, Guidelines on Food Fortification with Micronutrients.

The Micronutrient Initiative's Fortification Handbook on Vitamin and Mineral Fortification of Wheat Flour and Maize Meal (Section 10) provides concise guidelines for millers on how to set up and operate a quality assurance and quality control system.