Exploring diet and food system indicators through data mapping

Background: Data mapping is a useful resource that enables health and nutrition actors to implement policy, programs and research outputs effectively. Objective: The overall objective of this study was to identify and determine the accessibility of existing data sources on healthy and sustainable diets in Ethiopia for further analysis. Method: This study assessed the availability and accessibility of nutrition-related data using different techniques, including document review and analysis of secondary data and primary data. Results: This study identified a total of 48 data sources from potentially relevant reports. The most significant periodic nutrition-related data collection systems in Ethiopia are the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey by Central Statistics Agency (CSA) and nutrition surveys by Ethiopian Public Health Institute. Majority of the data (n=5 out of 8); which are nationally and regionally representative were collected by CSA. Most of the datasets included in this study were surveys (n=21 out of 48) and some of them were evaluations of programs (n=12 out of 48). Most of the datasets (64.5%) were accessible upon request. The majority of the data sets (n =24 out of 48) were conducted at the program implementation woreda level. Children under five years of age had more presence in the data sources compared to other groups. Minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet were the most available indicators among the nutrition intervention indicators. The amount of fruits and vegetables produced was the indicator most collected in agricultural indicators. Among water, sanitation, and hygiene indicators, the proportion of households with improved drinking water supply was collected the most. The forthcoming survey is expected to capture most indicators related to agriculture. Conclusions: This study revealed that datasets are accessible upon request, however, data gaps are prevalent in developing countries, with diet-related data scarce. It underscores the importance of future surveys prioritizing agricultural indicators to improve understanding of Ethiopia's nutrition landscape. Periodic monitoring of health and nutritional status is needed, especially with limited data on agro-ecological conditions.