Objectives
Ensure year-round availability and intake of nutrient rich vegetables in poor households, along with cash/food transfer particularly by women and children as first step
Methods
The program encourages and supports the production of a variety of nutrient dense vegetables through home or keyhole gardens which are established at the homestead level; and nutrition behavior change education which emphasizes dietary diversification, through food preparation, preservation and consumption of vegetables. Follow up home visits are conducted to reinforce positive practices and support vulnerable families. Mothers learn how to improve their household’s dietary diversity and micronutrient consumption through cooking demonstration sessions using locally grown foods
Results
CRS Development Food Aid Program (DFAP) mid-term outcome indicators performance review, 2014, indicated the percentage of children 6-23 months of age receiving a minimum acceptable diet increased from a baseline of 0.6% in 2012 to 10.6% in 2014. The regular LQAS KPC monitoring survey findings showed improved feeding and caring practices among mothers of children under-five. Mothers’ knowledge and practice on exclusive breast feeding and timely and appropriate complementary feeding increased from 57.5% & 45% in 2012 to 81% and 71% in 2015 respectively.
Conclusions
Establishment of keyhole gardens led to production of all year round vegetables. Food preparation and learning sessions using key ENA messages and follow up and home visit led to increased dietary diversity, thereby addressing long term micronutrient deficiency consequences. Homestead vegetable production coupled with nutrition education interventions to caregivers of young children and PLW will help improve the household dietary diversity.
