Episode 48: The N4D Team. Shrinking Aid, Growing Needs: Why National Nutrition Leadership Matters

In this episode, the N4D Directors Carmel, Chris and Jeremy, reflect on lessons from supporting country partners in Ethiopia, Niger and Yemen. They discuss why long-term engagement, trust, an understanding of political and institutional contexts, and flexible, demand-driven support matter—particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries.

As official development assistance declines, the team argues that scarce resources must be better aligned behind nationally agreed multisectoral nutrition priorities to maximise impact and sustainability. This requires investment not only in service delivery, but also in the national and subnational technical leadership, coordination and governance needed to mobilise financing, bridge humanitarian, development and peace efforts, and translate national plans into sustainable results.

The conversation looks ahead to how support for country leadership could be scaled through stronger collaboration between country-based partners and like-minded organisations. It is also an invitation to listeners to share their experiences and help build a more predictable, responsive global support system for countries.

Please join the debate! 

Credits: Recorded edited and published by: N4D & Nutriat.co

Theme tune: Saraweto, used with kind permission of Just East of Jazz

© N4D Group 2026

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