Applied Human Nutrition

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    Improving the Inclusion of Animal Source Foods in Diets for Better Nutritional Status of Women and Children: A Longitudinal Study
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) Alemneh Kabeta Daba
    Animal source foods (ASF) contain quality nutrients important for growth, development, immunity and behavioral outcomes. Plant based foods also provide the nutrients, but with lower bioavailability than ASF. Evidence on household level ASF consumption frequency, constraints and determinants are limited for Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess consumption frequency of ASF, and to identify predictors and constraints among rural households in Ethiopia. A crosssectional study was conducted in 422 households. Consumption frequency of ASF was assessed using a food frequency screener over 30-days. Twelve statements with likert scale responses were used to identify constraints to ASF consumption. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify determinants of ASF consumption. About a quarter (26%) of the households consumed milk 1-2 times/week. One out of five households consumed eggs 1-2 times/week (20%) or 1-2 times/month (19%). Poultry and meat were never consumed by 92% and 60% of the households, respectively. Unavailability, unaffordability, limited ASF consumption tradition and income generation priority from livestock rearing were constraints identified. Food insecure households were less likely to consume poultry (P =0.035), meat (P <0.001), eggs (P <0.001), milk (P= 0.035) and milk products (p. =0.005) than food secure households. Households that did not own chicken were less likely to consume eggs (P <0.001) than households that did own chicken. Households that did not own donkey were less likely to consume poultry (P =0.017) and meat (P =0.008) than households that did not own the donkey (P <0.05). Households that did not own cow were less likely to consume milk (P <0.001) and milk products (P <0.001) than households that did own cow. Households that did not produce cash crops were more likely to consume milk (p. =0.003) products than households that did produce cash crops (P <0.05). Households with more family size were less likely to consume poultry (P =0.002), meat (P =0.007) and eggs (P <0.03). Lesser household income was associated with lesser probability of meat (P <0.001), eggs (P <0.013) and milk product (P= 0.017) consumption. Hoseholds with women who never attended school are less likely to consume eggs (P =0.012) than households with women who attended school. Poor sociodemographic and economic conditions as determined by food insecurity, property ownership, income, educational achievement, family size and ASF unavailability and unaffordability contributed to lower consumption frequency of ASF by households in rural Ethiopia. Nutrition policy and programs should focus on nutrition sensitive agricultural extension, livelihood improvement and women empowerment interventions integrated with nutrition education to improve ASF consumption in rural settings.