Stakeholder Mapping and Selection for Scaling-up Maternal, Newborn, Child Nutrition and Health Interventions in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Nigeria remains a global hotspot for maternal and child deaths. The Advocacy and Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Nutrition and Health (AIM MNCNH) project aims to build a critical mass of advocates who will accelerate the uptake of proven innovations nationwide. The objective of this study was to map and prioritise stakeholders capable of championing scale-up of MNCNH interventions across sixteen states.

Methods: Sixteen female physicians received a four‑day course on stakeholder analysis. Using desk reviews, snowball sampling and a structured checklist, each trainee identified twenty potential stakeholders in her state. Candidates were scored for influence and engagement (30%), alignment with project objectives (25%), technical capacity (20%) and commitment (25%). Consensus meetings reconciled differences and produced the final list.

Results: Three hundred and twenty actors were initially recorded. One hundred and ninety‑two (60%) surpassed the 60‑point threshold and were retained. Policymakers accounted for 26% of the group, frontline healthcare providers 31%, traditional or religious leaders 24%, civil society and media advocates 12%, and development partner or private private‑sector representatives 7%. All six geopolitical zones were equally represented. Early engagement sessions revealed enthusiasm for evidence‑based advocacy but highlighted the need for additional training in budget tracking and policy‑brief writing.

Conclusion: Within a fortnight, the AIM MNCNH consortium assembled a diverse, motivated cohort of 192 stakeholders positioned to drive maternal and child health reforms. The transparent, criteria-driven process offers a replicable model for rapid stakeholder mobilisation in complex, pluralistic settings.