Strengthening Nutrition Education and Research Capacity in Universities in Nepal (NERC project)

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases are on rise globally. There is an urgent need of strategies to reduce malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases in low-income countries such as Nepal. There is a lack of detailed and valid data on dietary intake of people in Nepal. There is also a need to develop nutrition education and research capacity at Nepalese Universities. Respective development work could be needed in other South Asian countries, where the dietary patterns, malnutrition issues and context are quite similar. Objectives By August 2026, the NERC project aims to 1) develop a new valid electronic Nepalese food composition database (FCD) and a dietary intake calculator, 2) strengthen the skills of Nepalese nutrition teachers, students, and working dietitians/nutritionists to collect more valid data on food consumption and dietary intake, and 3) update teaching contents and methods related to food security and sustainability of food systems in Nepalese Universities. Results The project is developing a new valid electronic Nepalese FCD (with about 1000 foods and 40 nutrients) and an inbuilt intake calculator that can be used for calculating the dietary intakes of people in Nepal. Teachers from the partner departments have revised the contents and methods related to teaching dietary measurement methods, food security and sustainability of food systems in their degree programs. The renewed courses will be implemented from May 2025 onwards. In May 2026, other nutrition teachers and dietitians/nutritionist from Nepal will be trained to use the new FCD and intake calculator, and/or to teach the renewed contents at their universities. Conclusions This project strengthens nutrition education and research capacity at universities in Nepal. Better data on dietary intake helps to promote a balanced diet at population level and in clinical settings. A wider understanding of food security and sustainability of food systems will benefit society. Key messages • The project will strengthen nutrition education at universities in Nepal especially with regard to dietary measurement methods, food security, and sustainability of food systems. • A valid food composition database with revised nutrition education will improve research capacity of universities in Nepal.