Research Gaps: Missing information in the existing literature

As new research is published, we track where knowledge gaps are filled, what questions remain, and what new questions emerge. 

Research gaps in food aid that we're monitoring:

Acceptability Composition Cost Effectiveness Efficacy Innovation Use

Which food products do recipients enjoy eating and have the fewest side effects?

- How well does a food aid product align with children's taste preferences?

Which ingredients offer the best prevention or treatment for undernutrition?

- Do animal or plant proteins lead to better growth outcomes? - What is the minimum quantity of protein to achieve desired nutrition outcomes? - Do cereal or lipid-based products have better outcomes?

What are the relative costs and outcomes of different food aid products or programs?

- Which products are the most effective at improving nutritional outcomes and cost the least? 

How well do different food compositions and interventions prevent or treat undernutrition, when implemented "on the ground"?

How well do different food compositions and interventions prevent or treat undernutrition, when implemented in a completely controlled environment?

What novel food-based products and programming methods effectively prevent and treat undernutrition?

- Are cash transfers better than food aid alone? - Does including a behavior change communication aspect in food aid programs lead to better outcomes? - Can locally produced foods reduce undernutrition?

How are supplementary foods dispersed and shared within a household or community? How does their actual use differ from intended use?