A variety of programme's have been conducted in the region, with the objective of improving the nutrition situation or health of various target groups. Food and Nutrition Communication and Education  activities are often a feature of these programme's, and these are implemented by nutrition professionals and other professionals from the health, education, agriculture and other sectors. It was important to find out whether all these persons had received training and possible training gaps that might call for specific training.

There are multiple communication channels available to us today. These include face-to-face conversations, telephone calls, text messages, email, the Internet including social media such as Facebook and Twitter, radio and TV, written letters, brochures and reports. Choosing an appropriate communication channel is vital for effective communication. Each communication channel has different strengths and weaknesses.

For example, broadcasting news of an upcoming event via a written letter might convey the message clearly to one or two individuals. It will not, however, be a time- or cost-effective way to broadcast the message to a large number of people.  On the other hand, conveying complex, technical information is easier via a printed document than a spoken message. The recipients are able to assimilate the information at their own pace and revisit anything that they do not fully understand. Written communication is also useful as a way of recording what has been said, for example by taking minutes in a meeting.