Abstract
The need to develop appropriate knowledge-based strategies to promote better care was the basis for the UNICEF-Cornell University Colloquium on care and nutrition of the young child. The first step was to develop a conceptual model that described the various factors that influenced the quality of care and the pathways through which care influenced the nutrition status of young children below three years of age. The direct care-related behaviours included breastfeeding, complementation, feeding during illness, health related behaviours, and psychosocial care. Several underlying factors at the household, community, and national level and the interactive process of care were also considered. The resource constraints and trends were child characteristics; caregiver factors, including time availability; psychological, health, and nutrition status; organizational resources; and modernization and urbanization. The triple-A process of assessment, analysis, and action was followed to identify, understand, and prioritize the key areas while planning for the Colloquium. Besides the focus and theme papers, case-studies from developing countries and working group sessions were also included.