Abstract
Facing a double burden of malnutrition, transitional countries must urgently begin proactive institution-building. A problem- and development-based approach is proposed to guide this process that requires a deep understanding of today's complex food and nutrition issues and appropriate actions for population change. The concept of “empowerment” should be used as a framework in this capacity-building process, and the experiential learning approach must be a key to its development. Furthermore, effective implementation will require a mechanism for multidisciplinary work. On the basis of Thailand's experience, this mechanism involves at least three essential elements: (1) a problem- and development-based mission, (2) leadership, and (3) proper training for the country's nutrition professionals.