Guidelines on Large-Scale Food Fortification Indicators and Use
Photo: © S. Mojumder/Drik/CIMMYT
Unlocking the Power of Data for Large-Scale Food Fortification
Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) is a proven strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. Turning LSFF from an efficacious intervention into an effective, scalable program requires coordinated, high-quality data from multiple sectors, and clear guidance on which indicators matter most, how to define them, and how to use them.
The Large-Scale Food Fortification Data Indicators and Use: Global Guidance provide standardized indicators and practical guidance to help countries and partners make more timely, better decisions about fortification programs.
The global guidance is now open for public comment!
The draft Large-Scale Food Fortification Data Indicators and Use: Global Guidance is now available for review. Developed through evidence review and collaboration with technical experts and stakeholders, the guidance provides standardized indicators and practical guidelines to support data-informed decisions across the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of LSFF programs.
We want to hear from you! Comments are especially welcome on missing indicators and supporting resources, the feasibility of the proposed data sources and collection methods, and interest in piloting the guidance in your country. Your feedback will help refine the guidelines and strengthen their practical use across country settings.
What is the purpose of the guidelines?
This standalone resource fills a critical gap in the global LSFF data ecosystem: the lack of detailed, harmonized, fit-for-purpose indicator guidance spanning the full LSFF program pathway. Building on existing tools, it goes further by offering a comprehensive, prioritized set of indicators and practical recommendations for their use.
The guidance include:
- A conceptual framework for LSFF indicators.
- A prioritized indicator list with detailed information on each indicator, including well defined numerators and denominators, data collection considerations, and the intended use.
- Practical guidance on use cases, explaining how each indicator can be used along the LSFF program impact pathway.
How were the guidelines developed?
The guidelines were developed through evidence review, consensus-building and consultation, including through the following processes:
- A data landscaping activity across 13 African countries mapped existing LSFF indicators, data collection tools, and gaps, and was presented at the Africa Regional Dialogue on Data for Action in Food Fortification (October 2025). Stakeholders at this meeting expressed strong demand for standardized indicators and clear guidance on using LSFF data for decision-making.
- A dedicated working group of LSFF domain experts guided indicator prioritization, refined definitions, and incorporated inputs from key external stakeholders.
How can you get involved?
If you or your organization are interested in contributing to the dissemination or piloting of the guidelines in-country, please reach out directly to s[email protected].
