: The ICDS is a nation-wide programme for safe motherhood and early childhood protection. The World Food Programme provides supplementary food to the ICDS, in certain areas, in India. The WFP, in consultation with the Government of India and Government of Rajasthan, commissioned New Concept to conduct a study to examine the infant feeding practices and barriers to community participation in the ICDS.
The action research was conducted in 30 sample villages of four southern districts of Rajasthan. Participatory techniques such as health and social mapping, focus group discussions, observation and key informant interviews were extensively used by trained researchers, for the study. Following the initial study, seven villages were selected from the previous sample and the researchers stayed in the villages for a period of six months. They worked closely with the village women and ICDS functionaries. A wealth of information was generated from the action research, and the study showed that it was possible to improve childcare practices and increase women’s participation in ICDS. Recommendations also emerged on the key issues that needed to be addressed by the ICDS in Rajasthan.
The study has also been published as a booklet titled ‘Starting Right’