Nutrition and Health

Assessment of household food security and nutritional status Of children aged 1-3 years in Seme sub-county, Kenya.

2024-02-14T16:08:26Z

Assessment of household food security and nutritional status Of children aged 1-3 years in Seme sub-county, Kenya. WANG’ARA, Laura Achieng In Sub-Saharan Africa, one out of ten households is unable to get food with more than three million children living in households that are severely food insecure. Kenya is among the top 50 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that has failed to provide enough food for its people; with a Global Hunger Index of 21.9 denoting serious severity. Despite several efforts by the Kenyan Government to resolve household food insecurity, Seme Sub-County still has a higher number of households reporting lack of food or money to purchase food at 41.9 %. This is higher than the national rates at 36.2%. This region also has a higher under -five mortality rate at 72 deaths per 1000 live births as compared to the national rates at 52 deaths per 1000 live births. Despite all these, Seme Sub- County mothers are still more than 50% likely to practice early introduction of complementary feeding which predisposes their children to a higher risk of undernutrition (stunting, wasting and underweight). If these problems persist, then it will result to escalated under-five morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess household food security and nutritional status of children aged 1-3 years in Seme Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the households; to determine food availability and accessibility of households; to assess child dietary intake, to determine the child nutritional status and to determine the relationship between dietary intake and nutritional status of children aged 1-3 years in households in Seme Sub-County, Kenya. The study was conducted in Seme Sub-County. The study population comprised of mothers/caregivers with children aged 1-3 years living in Seme Sub-County. The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional research design. Sample size was determined using Creative Research Systems (2003) formula. A total of 193 households with children aged 1-3 years were interviewed. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics of the household, food availability and accessibility of the households and food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intake of the child. Nutritional status of the child was assessed using anthropometric assessment. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize each of the specific objectives. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between dietary intake and nutritional status of children aged 1-3 years. Most children were stunted at (38.9%) denoting chronic malnutrition and long term food deprivation in Seme; others were underweight at (16.1%) and few were wasted at (8.8%). These rates are higher than the national Kenyan rates where stunting is at 26%; wasting is at 4% and underweight is at 11%. The high rates might be attributed to most mothers in Seme practicing early introduction of complementary feeding predisposing their children to under nutrition (stunting, underweight, wasting); poor consumption of Vitamin A rich vegetables and tubers (15.6%) by the children and most households reporting lack of food or money to purchase food at 41.9% which is still higher than the national Kenyan rate which is at 36.2%. Further, there was a statistically significant relationship between stunting and low dietary diversity, p=0.02 in children aged 1-3 years with chances of being stunted increasing by 12 in children aged 1-3 years consuming a lowly diversified diet holding moderate diet diversity and high dietary diversity constant, β(95%CI)=12(11.92,12.08). This denoted that a child who ate a lowly diversified diet was most likely to be stunted. Therefore, there is need for possible targeted and sustainable interventions to be done to cease early introduction of complementary feeding, promote household food security and improve consumption of a highly diversified diet by the children in Seme. Master's Thesis

Food systems, socio-demographic factors and the nutritional Status of children 6-24 months in Obunga slums, Kisumu, Kenya

2024-02-14T15:51:20Z

Food systems, socio-demographic factors and the nutritional Status of children 6-24 months in Obunga slums, Kisumu, Kenya UMOTHO, Kinya Mbae Kenya is grappling with many public health problems; one of the most critical is childhood malnutrition. Underweight rates are 10.1%, stunting 17.6%, and wasting 4.9 %. In Obunga slums, stunting was 40.2% for children below sixty months, underweight at 10.2%, and wasting at 9%. Globally, children between 6-24 months contribute the most to malnutrition among under-fives. Nevertheless, after 24 months, stunting, an indicator of chronic malnutrition, is irreversible. Obunga slums, compared to other slums in Kenya, registered the highest levels of stunting at 40.5% despite various interventions. Some of the risk factors that recurrently exist as determinants of nutritional status in urban slums are socio-demographic factors. Other potential factors which seem to be ignored are the food systems-related socio-demographics, which seem to be in constant aetiology. This study determined the relationship between food systems, socio-demographic factors, and the nutritional status of children between 6-24 months. Specifically, to assess the nutritional status, determine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and nutritional status, determine the relationship between the broad food system and nutritional status, and determine the relationship between the community food system and nutritional status. A crosssectional design was adopted, and households with a child aged 6-24 months in Obunga slums were included. A sample of 189 children was selected through a simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data on broad food systems, community food systems, and socio-demographic factors. The anthropometric assessment was used to collect data on the nutritional status of the children. Data analysis was done through descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The results reveal that a total of 189 children, 108 males and 81 females, were part of the study. Prevalence of wasting was at 3.2%, overweight at 6.9%, stunting at 27.0%, and underweight at 7.4%. Socio-demographic factors: wasting was associated with the child’s birthweight (A.O.R = 0.021, C.I. =0.001 -0.524) and caregiver’s level of education (A.O.R = 11.431, C.I. = 1.407 - 92.857). Stunting was associated with the child’s age (A.O.R = 1.099, C.I. = 1.021 -1.183) and household daily earnings (O.R. = 0.708, C.I. =0.512 -0.978). Being Underweight was associated with the occupation of the caregiver (A.O.R = 0.217, C.I. = 0.52 - 0.900). Broad food systems: Wasting was associated with the food price of fruits (A.O.R = 10.822, C.I. =1.097 -106.774), child consumption of commercially produced food complementary food (O. R=7.818, C.I. =1.056 -33.596) and commercially produced food (O.R. = 5.957, C.I. =1.56 - 33.596). Stunting was associated with listening/reading/watching promotional practices for commercial food at (O. R=0.486, C.I. = 0.237 -0.998). Underweight was associated with the price of fruits at (A.O.R =5.435, C.1. =1.367-21.610). Community Food Systems: An increase in the food sources increased the prevalence of underweight both at a (Crude O.R. =19.500, C.I. =1.61- 236.61) and at an (A.O.R. = 21.331, C.I. =1.370-332.239). While frequency in the child consumption of food from restaurants/hotels increased wasting by 14 times (A.O.R of 14.52, C.I. = 1.39 -151.71 P<0.05). However, purchasing foods from restaurants and hotels reduced stunting by 0.13 times (A.O.R = 0.13, C.I. = 0.02 - 0.90, P<0.05). This study is significant, as it’s the first study in Obunga slums, enumerating insight into the relationship between food systems and nutrition status. This will o help to align food systems and mitigate child malnutrition in Obunga slums and similar settings. . Master's Thesis

Determinants of vitamin a supplementation coverage among children aged 6-60 months in Ganze sub county, Kilifi county, Kenya

2024-02-14T15:14:50Z

Determinants of vitamin a supplementation coverage among children aged 6-60 months in Ganze sub county, Kilifi county, Kenya WUGHANGA, Jardine Ngolo Vitamin A deficiency is among the leading and preventable causes of childhood morbidity and mortality that may be attributable to low coverage of Vitamin A Supplementation among children 6-60 months. In Kenya, Vitamin A Deficiency is among the three most common forms of micronutrient deficiency. Vitamin A Supplementation coverage of >80% is recommended by WHO to address this problem. However, the coverage remains low in Kenya (71%). Kilifi County has one of the lowest coverage at 47.4%, with Ganze Sub-County having coverage of 31.3%. Despite the low coverage in Kilifi County and Ganze Sub-County, there exists limited information on its determinants .Most studies on VAS coverage in Kenya have been health facility-based which may not necessarily be representative of the general community. Community based studies are therefore needed to triangulate findings and fully understand VAS determinants within the population. This was therefore a community-based study whose overall objective was to investigate the determinants of Vitamin A Supplementation coverage among children aged 6- 60 months in Ganze Sub- County, Kilifi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the caregivers’ demographic and socio-economic factors; to assess the caregivers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices factors; to explore the caregivers’ cultural factors and to examine health system-related factors associated with Vitamin A Supplementation coverage among children aged 6-60 months in Ganze sub-county. A cross-sectional study design was used adopting both quantitative and qualitative techniques. For the quantitative survey, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 435 randomly sampled caregivers of children aged 6-60 months. The qualitative survey was implemented through key informant interviews (KII) with health workers and policy makers. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 to descriptively generate frequencies and percentages mainly for categorical variables. Chi-square and univariate analyses were done to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables. Variables that were found significant (p-value= <0.05) at this level of analysis were subjected to multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the main determinants of VAS coverage. The mean age of caregivers was 29.4 (SD=6.8) years while that of the children was 29.7 (SD=15.1) months. Of the children, 228 (52.4%) were female and 207 (47.6%) male. The age-appropriate full VAS coverage was 49.0% and coverage was higher in children 6-11months (50; 89.3%) than in those aged 12-60months 163 (43.0%). Socioeconomic and demographic factors strongly associated with VAS coverage included the age of caregiver (AOR=0.29, 95% CI (0.09, 0.96), P-value=0.042); area of residence (AOR=2.08, 95% CI (1.04, 4.18), P-value=0.039 ) ; age of the child (AOR=0.08, 95% CI (0.03, 0.20), P-value<0.001) and the number of 6-60 months children in the household (AOR=2.11, 95% CI (1.24, 3.59), P value=0.006). From the KIIs, caregivers’ lack of in-depth knowledge on importance of VAS and illiteracy were factors contributing to low coverage. On cultural factors, disapproval of father as the household head was a key determinant of VAS coverage. On health system factors, door to door supplementation by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) was the most effective approach for VAS delivery. In addition health workers’ friendly approach to the caregiver during VAS delivery (AOR=0.25, 95% CI (0.08, 0.74), P value=0.012 was also significantly associated with VAS. The study therefore recommends the need to increase VAS coverage through implementation of strategies targeting both rural and urban areas, caregivers of all age groups and children above 12 months, involvement of male household heads and knowledge enhancement on VAS for caregivers. There is also need to scale-up and sustain effective approaches and strategies for VAS delivery such as the door-to-door supplementation by CHVs. Master's Thesis

Influence of household socio-economic characteristics and food intake on nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months from banana-dependent households in Izimbya ward, Tanzania

2022-12-20T14:52:29Z

Influence of household socio-economic characteristics and food intake on nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months from banana-dependent households in Izimbya ward, Tanzania DIGO, Edith. Awuor A child’s entire life is largely determined by the food consumed during his first years of life. Since childhood is the most vulnerable phase in human life, nutritional inadequacies may hamper the development of the body. The nutritional status results from nutrient intakes and their interaction with other factors. Children under five require increased iron intake for rapid growth; however, insufficient absorbable iron intake leads to iron deficiency, which has health consequences such as increased perinatal mortality, delayed mental and physical development, negative behavioral consequences, and impaired physical performance. Some of these negative effects of iron deficiency are irreversible and lead to poor school performance and decreased productivity later in life. The WHO estimates that about 190 million children under five are vitamin A deficient, with about 5.2 million affected by night blindness. Children in this age group have increased vitamin A requirements to support rapid growth and fight infections. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause visual impairments, anaemia and weakened immunity. The human body needs to have a sufficient amount of protein daily to support the growth and maintenance of various body functions. Insufficient protein intake may cause many health complications such as swelling, fatigue, skin problems, irritability, muscle wasting and eventual death from infections. In Tanzania, poor nutritional status is largely driven by food insecurity; hence, consumption of a diverse diet is critical and essential to alleviate micro and macronutrient deficiencies. In Northwestern Tanzania, some households are mostly dependent on banana as their staple food. This study aimed to investigate the influence of household socio-economic characteristics, food and nutrient intake on the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months from banana-dependent households. The study setting was Izimbya Ward in Bukoba Rural District Tanzania; a cross-sectional study design was adopted. A sample of 206 households were randomly selected and their caregivers recruited into the study. These caregivers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect information on socio-economic status, trends in food availability and frequency of food consumption, dietary diversity and iron, vitamin A and protein intake. In addition, anthropometric measurements were taken using a portable weighing machine, a height board and MUAC tape. Logistic and linear regression, was used to establish the association between nutritional status and household socio-economic characteristics and food and nutrient intake. Socio-economic characteristics of the households were mostly low. This study showed that 34% of children aged 6-59 months were moderately stunted, 27.4% were underweight and 12.8% were wasted. 58.5% of the households recorded low dietary diversity. Nutrient intake shortfalls results were 26.2% in vitamin A, 51.9% in iron, and 30.1% in protein shortfalls. All variables investigated showed that low economic status and low dietary diversity contributed to poor nutritional status of the children. These results highlight the need for government interventions to educate and provide subsidies for rural households to access foods that offer more diversity especially sustainable sources of iron and proteins. Masters Thesis

Development of east African indigenous Vegetable recipes and determination of their iron, copper and vitamin c contents

2022-05-12T11:42:57Z

Development of east African indigenous Vegetable recipes and determination of their iron, copper and vitamin c contents OYIERA, Florence Habwe Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and micronutrient deficiency in developing countries is burdening the national and household resources thus interfering with resource-distribution. Changes in dietary patterns, attitudes and beliefs about food have resulted in higher prevalence of chronic diseases and micronutrient deficiencies. This is because indigenous foods especially plant foods are being replaced by high-fat, energy-dense diets with increased intake of animal foods and yet plant based foods especially African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) are rich in many micronutrients needed for healthy living. These vegetables are seasonal and recipe formulation promises their availability throughout the year and may also reduce wastage. Diversification of diets through increased utilization and consumption of these vegetables would go a long way in alleviating hidden hunger and malnutrition. The main objective of this research was to develop and evaluate high iron recipes of East Africa's indigenous vegetables and this was the first time such research was done in Kenya. The study was carried out at Maseno University where four priority AIV s including: African nightshade (Solanum scabrum), Vegetable' Amaranth (Amaranthus blitum), Slenderleaf (Crotalaria ochroleuca) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were randomly selected. Together with these four single vegetables, six vegetable combinations were formulated where each vegetable had a probability of being combined with another to form ten vegetable categories. The vegetables were boiled for 10 minutes with or wl!hout traditional salt (lye), they were then fried using onions ,giving rise to twenty vegetable recipes. These vegetables were also blanched and dried under shade then developed into vegetable products using simsim giving rise to ten vegetable product recipes with the aim of increasing their shelf life and marketability. Subjective evaluation using grading charts was used for sensory evaluation to determine acceptability of these recipes. During this evaluation 52 tasters were selected using disproportional stratified random sampling, where four strata were used as follows; age stratum (11-30 years) and (31-50 years), and sex stratum (female) and (male). FIQm each stratum, 13 individuals of good health were randomly selected. AIV s were also evaluated objectively for their iron and copper contents using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and vitamin C content was determined using titration method. Data obtained were analyzed using ANOV A, descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of thirty high iron AIV recipes were developed out of ~th twenty were vegetable recipes while ten were vegetable product recipes. Results indicated a significantly higher preference for recipes prepared with traditional salt for both taste and appearance (P0.05). Fried AIVs recorded higher mean for vitamin C content compared to the boiled ones, while raw AIVs had slightly higher vitamin C content compared to AIVs boiled with traditional salt. Iron, copper and vitamin C levels in the prepared recipes were adequate to supply their respective recommended daily allowances (RDA). The use of lye and frying method in AIV recipe preparation could increase AIV consumption due to the increase in acceptability (P

Influence of psychosocial factors in improving breastfeeding Behavior of mothers in Kakamega central district, Kenya

2022-04-25T09:16:42Z

Influence of psychosocial factors in improving breastfeeding Behavior of mothers in Kakamega central district, Kenya MUTULI, Lucy Amanya Health professionals currently use fact-based approach to promote breastfeeding behavior in Kenya. This practice imposes messages to breastfeeding mothers without considering their opinions and beliefs thus posing a challenge to the Ministry of Health. In Kakamega Central district 30.7% of mothers initiate breastfeeding within the 1st hour of birth,' 2'1.7% exclusively breastfeed for six months and 27.S% continue breastfeeding to the l" year; where these prevalence fall short of the national goal and desired target of achieving the fourth Millennium Development Goal aimed at reducing the under five mortality rates by 20 IS. This study was conducted to determine the predictive power of maternal attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control on breastfeeding intention of mothers in Kakamega Central District using a modified Theory of Planned Behavior. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was employed to execute the study. In this design qualitative study was initially conducted then followed by a qualitative study. Purposive sampling was used to select three postnatal clinics and one home based clinic from a total of 10 clinics in Kakamega Central District. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to select 230 respondents out of 3,873 breastfeeding mothers aged between 18-40 years. Qualitative data was collected using a Focus Group Discussion guide and analyzed using Constant Comparative Approach in grounded theory analysis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect Quantitative data where' Exploratory Factor Analysis was applied to test for the dimensionality of the questions. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to assess whether proposed constructs influenced measured variables. Skewness and kurtosis tests were used to assess the normality of data obtained. Structural Equation Modeling was used to show and determine the relationships between Latent and Observed variables. Findings indicated that the model fitted the data acceptably well within breastfeeding behavior. The predictive power indicated maternal attitude to a better predictor of breastfeeding intention (~=0.38, p

Evaluation of nutrition education in public nursery \ Schools in Kisumu municipality, Kenya

2022-04-25T08:57:03Z

Evaluation of nutrition education in public nursery \ Schools in Kisumu municipality, Kenya ANYANGO, Loyce Joyce Knowledge about nutrition and health is gained throughout childhood, yet little is known about the nutrition knowledge of nursery school children in Kenya.Much of the research assessing nutrition practices in early childhood programs has focused on the adequacy of foods that are served and growth monitoring of children. Teachers have regular contact with the students; they potentially have a great influence on children's dietary practices. Literature on teachers' nutrition knowledge and dissemination of that knowledge in public nursery schools is scarce in Kenya. The objectives of this study are to: assess teacher knowledge and perceptions about nutrition; assess nutrition knowledge of nursery school children; and identify resources and strategies used to teach nutrition in nursery schools. The study adopted a cross sectional study design. The study population consisted of public nursery school teachers and children aged, 3-5 year old from Kisumu municipality. From 109 public nursery schools, a total of 36 schools were selected using systematic sampling technique. From the 36 sampled schools, 146 teachers were selected using cluster sampling, and 365 children selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires. The data was analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.0. ANOV A was used for analysis. Results showed that 79% of the children were able to correctly name the foods, and about 62.7% correctly identified fruits. Few children (39.2%) were aware of the foods that should be eaten more frequently by them. The difference between mean scores of female and male children was not significant (F=1.59, p> 0.05). There were significant differences between the children's mean scores by their age (F=96.46, p<0.05). The mean score of children who were taught by teachers who had training in early childhood development was higher (mean=4.47) than those children who were taught by teachers with no training in early childhood development (mean=3.86). Most (65%) teachers were aware of the sources of proteins and carbohydrates. Only 22.6% of teachers were aware that goiter is caused by iodine deficiency while 46.6% were aware of foods rich in vitamin C and A. The difference between the teachers' mean scores of the trained teachers and untrained teachers was found to be significant (F=33.66, p<0.05). Majority (95%) of teachers strongly agreed or agreed that nutrition education is necessary for nursery school children. Only 49.3% of teachers reported availability of teaching and learning materials on nutrition in their schools. More than 90% of teachers reported use of poems and songs for teaching nutrition in schools. In conclusion, teachers' mean scores are higher for trained teachers than untrained teachers. The difference between teachers' mean scores and education level is not significant. The mean score of children who are taught by trained teachers is higher than those who are taught by teachers who are not trained. The difference between children's mean scores by their age is significant. Nutrition education resources are inadequate "in public nursery schools. The government should keep on updating the teachers' knowledge by tnounting training programs through workshops and seminars. The government should also develop and avail appropriate teaching and learning materials in the schools. As expressed by the teachers, nutrition education programmes for younger children should not only include children but their parents as well, since this can enhance the initiation of behavioural change.

Factors Related to Vitamin A Supplementation Coverage to Preschool Children in Gucha District, Western Kenya

2022-04-05T12:03:24Z

Factors Related to Vitamin A Supplementation Coverage to Preschool Children in Gucha District, Western Kenya MOMANYI, Susan Moraa Nutritional deficiencies account for 3 million child deaths annually in less-developed countries. Deficiencies of vitamin A are responsible for 0:6 million deaths and 9% of global childhood Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY s). Vitamin A supplementation will help achieve one of the millennium development goals of reducing mortality among children by two thirds by 20l5.Vitamin A will reduce mortality because it boosts the immune system. However, vitamin A supplementation coverage is low in many parts of the world for example in India (37.6%), Mozambique (46%) and Kenya (33%). Gucha district is a malaria endemic region yet there is evidence that vitamin A supplementation reduces all cause mortality among children living in such regions. The main objective of this study was to identify factors related to vitamin A supplementation coverage to preschool children in Gucha District. A cross-sectional survey design was used and the study population consisted of 4840 caregivers from 4840 households, 85 health workers, 5 members of the district health management team and 3 key informants (divisional heads) giving a total population of 4933. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, 3 divisions were randomly selected out of the 5 divisions in Gucha District. Subsequently.. 1 location was randomly selected from each of the 3 divisions. Finally, 1 sub-location was randomly selected from each of the 3 locations. After this, simple random sampling was used to select 334 households out of the total 4840 households with caregivers with a preschool child. Since there were 85 health workers in Gucha district, 25 health workers were included in the study to give a 30% representative sample. Allthe 5 members of the district health management team and 3 key informants were also included in the study giving a total sample of 367 respondents. An interview schedule on caregivers, questionnaires on health workers and a focus group discussion with the district health management team and the key informants were used to collect data. Chi square test and odds ratio were used for analysis to establish the relationship and strength respectively, between the dependent variable (vitamin A supplementation coverage) and the independent variables (household factors). The relationship was statistically significant when the p-value obtained was less than 0.05. Data from health workers and the district health management team were thematically analyzed using narrative approach. The study showed that the level of vitamin A supplementation coverage was low (41.2%). There was a statistically significant relationship between vitamin A supplementation coverage and the age of preschool children (p=O.OOO),education level of caregivers (p=0.008), and distance covered by caregivers to health facilities (p=0.009). Out of 25 health workers, 24(96%) knew the importance of vitamin A supplements, 12(48%) are trained on vitamin A supplementation, 3(12%) recorded in tally sheets after giving vitamin A supplements and 6(24%) explained to caregivers the reason for giving vitamin A supplements. The roles of the District Health Management Team on vitamin A supplementation are planning, training, supervision and awareness creation. The age of the preschool child, distance covered by caregivers to health facilities, education level of caregivers, poor documentation by health workers and reduced number of times of supervision by the district health management team are related to the low vitamin A supplementation coverage in Gucha District. The Ministry of Health should increase the number of health facilities, employ more staff, train more staff on supplementation and emphasize on the importance of documentation to its staff. This study will be important in improving child health nutrition and safeguarding human power development.

The role of home gardening in household food security in Butere Division, western Kenya

2022-03-16T12:46:57Z

The role of home gardening in household food security in Butere Division, western Kenya MUSOTSI, Anne Aswani Food security has been an issue of concern in Kenya and other parts of the developing world. Population has been increasing at the rate of 2.8% per annum while agricultural production has slowed down to 1.3%. This deficit has led to chronic food insecurity, which has been identified as the prime cause of malnutrition in many households. Food production in home gardens can significantly contribute to food security at household level. However, this has not been fully exploited. A study was set up to assess the role of home gardening on food security among rural households in Butere division between January and March 2003.The objectives of the study were: to identify the socio-demographic and agro-economic characteristics of index households, establish food security status of households, identify methods of food procurement for households, to establish factors that influence home gardening and to determine the role of home gardening in household food security. A descriptive survey design was used whereby 100 households were sampled using simple random sampling. Data were gathered using an interview schedule and an observation checklist. Twenty key informants were purposefully selected and responded to a self administered questionnaire. Data generated were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the role of home gardening in food security. Results revealed diverse socio-demographic and agro-economic characteristics of index households. Majority of households were food insecure with regard to food stock and the household's perception of food security but few were insecure with regard to number of meals eaten daily within households. Methods of food procurement were agricultural production, buying from the market and v gathering. Factors affecting home gardening included land, cash crop farming, technology and level of education. Home gardening plays a role in household food security with respect to land size and number of livestock but not with home garden crops. Home garden crops had no significant role on either food stock or number of meals eaten. Recommendations emphasized the promotion of home gardening by dispensing existing information to rural households, conducting more research, empowering rural households financially, improving infrastructure and educating households on utilization of home garden produce, as this would enhance food security. The data from this research will be useful to governmental and non governmental agencies 'promoting food security and also home gardening and the rural households who are the target of this research. Also, the data will contribute to the general body of knowledge.

Relationship between adoption of water harvesting, water conservation, irrigation Technologies and nutrition Status of Children under five years in Central Division, Isiolo County, Kenya

2022-03-15T09:39:39Z

Relationship between adoption of water harvesting, water conservation, irrigation Technologies and nutrition Status of Children under five years in Central Division, Isiolo County, Kenya MUHINJA, Daniel Kamau The food security situation in Africa is declining due to low agricultural productivity caused by decline in land availability, soil fertility depletion, soil erosion and unpredictable rainfall. Kenya remains food insecure and is increasingly relying on emergency food supplies. In 2011, about 2.4 million persons required urgent food assistance up from 1.6 million in August 2010. The high levels of food insecurity are exhibited by high rates of malnutrition above WHO threshold of 15%. Studies show that adoption of water harvesting, water conservatien and irrigation technologies have the potential to increase food production and hence improve food availability and income at the household level. A cross sectional survey was conducted in seven farming schemes in Central Division, Isiolo Sub-County, Isiolo County, Kenya. The study objectives were: to assess the level of adoption of water harvesting, conservation and irrigation technologies assess the dietary diversity among households and assess the nutrition status of children under five years of age in the study area. The study was to provide information on the level of adoption of water harvesting, conservation and irrigation technologies in the study area. The study was also to establish the relationship between adoption of water harvesting, -----CO~~servatioI1andm·igatlOn te-cJlIl-ofo-giesaI1d lrutrition status-of childrenunder five years of age-:-The study adopted Proportion to Population Size sampling with the number of households selected per farming scheme proportional to number of families in the farming scheme. The study targeted 1361 eligible households .A sample size of 257 households was calculated using the Fisher et al formula. Households to participate in the-study were randomly selected. In the sampled households, demographic data, social economic, adoption of water harvesting, conservation and irrigation technologies as well as anthropometric data and dietary diversity of children under five years of age were collected. Nutritional status data was analysed using ENA-SMART software to generate Z scores. Pearson correlation was used to establish the relationship between quantitative variables and binary logistic regression was used to establish relationship between technologies adopted and the nutrition indices of the children. Results showed that mulching and addition of organic matter was adopted by the highest proportion of farmers, 74.2% and 66.4% respectively but there was low adoption of water harvesting (5.5%). Surface irrigation was adopted by higher proportion of farmers (63%) compared to sprinkler (34.2%) and drip irrigation (0.4%). The number of eating occasions per day and dietary diversity of children in the study area was better compared to other areas in Isiolo. Over three -quarters of the children (76.7%) consumed three to four meals per day. In addition, 67.4% of them consumed between four and six food groups while 32.5% consumed less than three food groups. The prevalence of wasting (10.1%), stunting (19.2%), and underweight (23.9%) among children in the farming schemes was lower than in other parts of Isiolo. Binary logistic regression showed no statistical significance between adoption of technologies and nutritional status of children. There is need to train farmers in the study area on water harvesting and efficient methods of irrigation such as drip irrigation. There is also need for continuous monitoring of nutritional status of children under five years of age in the study area