Evaluating the Impact of Multi-Sectoral Action Plans on Childhood Stunting Reduction in Rwanda: A Short Report on the 2021–2026 Strategy

This short report evaluates the preliminary impact of Rwanda’s multi-sectoral National Strategy for the Reduction of Stunting (2021–2026) on childhood stunting prevalence. The strategy integrates coordinated actions across health, agriculture, social protection, and WASH sectors. We assessed early outcomes and implementation challenges to inform ongoing programme adaptation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we analysed secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys (2020 and 2024) to quantify stunting trends in children under five. This was complemented by a desk review of national progress reports and key informant interviews with district-level implementers conducted in early 2026. Preliminary findings indicate a modest but statistically significant decline in national stunting prevalence from 33% in 2020 to an estimated 28% in 2024. Key facilitators included strong political commitment and established community-based nutrition programmes. Persistent challenges, however, were identified, notably inconsistent cross-sectoral coordination at sub-national levels and economic pressures affecting household food security. The findings underscore the potential of integrated strategies in addressing the multifactorial aetiology of stunting. We conclude that sustained investment and enhanced local-level integration are imperative for Rwanda to achieve its 2026 targets. This analysis offers transferable insights for the design and implementation of similar multi-sectoral strategies in other African nations.