Civil Society Organizations and the fight against chronic child malnutrition in Ecuador

Abstract

Chronic child malnutrition is the main limitation to development worldwide. Ecuador has the second worst prevalence of chronic childhood malnutrition in the Latin American region, being twice the Latin American average, which reflects a crisis in Ecuadorian childhood. The objective of the research is to analyze the role of Civil Society Organizations in the fight against chronic childhood malnutrition. To do this, a qualitative methodology is used, based on primary information with civil society actors, community members, authorities and secondary information; In this process the NATO method (Nodality, Authority, Treasury and Organization) is used. Among the main results is that there have been advances in the generation of information, proposals for regulations for State policies, budget increase from SCO, and new organizational schemes such as the Advisory Council. However, challenges remain associated with the sustainability of the process, the incorporation of the territory and attention to the comprehensive development of children.