Professor Thomas Prola presented new research from the Erasmus+ MAHINE project at the Edutrends Conference, highlighting a theoretical review that lays the foundation for integrating nutrition-sensitive education into undergraduate dietetics programs in Angola. The presentation showcased how the project is supporting curriculum innovation by preparing future nutrition professionals to address complex food security and public health challenges.
The study forms part of the Erasmus+ MAHINE project which began in November 2025. It responds to the growing recognition that malnutrition is influenced not just by food intake but also by agriculture, food systems, environmental sustainability, education, healthcare and other social determinants. While nutrition sensitive policies have gained attention over the past ten years, their incorporation into the education of future nutrition professionals has not changed.
The review looks at how nutrition sensitive approaches have been defined in scientific literature and the teaching methods needed to integrate these concepts into Human Nutrition and Dietetics programs.
Researchers conducted a structured literature review using four international databases covering publications released between 2014 and 2025.. These databases were Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and ERIC. The analysis also includes policy documents from international organizations like the FAO, WHO and IFAD to strengthen the theoretical framework. Forty to fifty peer reviewed studies and institutional reports are expected to be analysed through thematic synthesis.
Preliminary findings suggest that nutrition sensitive education goes beyond traditional clinical nutrition. It includes understanding how food systems work, sustainable food production, agriculture, community involvement, behaviour change, and collaboration across different areas. The review also found that active learning approaches, like simulation based training, are important for helping students develop these skills.
The findings will help define the competency framework for the MAHINE pedagogical model. They will also provide evidence to support improvements in nutrition curricula and help higher education institutions prepare nutrition professionals to address today’s food security and public health challenges using interdisciplinary, competency-based approaches.
The theoretical review was prepared by Thomas Prola as part of the Erasmus+ MAHINE project.
