This document discusses rapid socio-cultural assessments (RSCAs) to understand community perceptions of malnutrition and barriers to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) treatment. It provides an example of an RSCA conducted in Nigeria, examining the people, places, and perceptions regarding malnutrition. The RSCA informed the development of communication materials and participatory training methods to raise awareness of malnutrition signs, causes, and community management of acute malnutrition programs in locally appropriate languages.