Objectives
Objective: A study was conducted in July 2014 with the objective of assessing the relevance of the positive deviant lead mothers in promoting and sustaining biofortified crops in local communities in Uganda. HarvestPlus has been promoting vitamin A orange sweet potatoes (OSP) to over 300,000 households since 2012. Among other strategies, HarvestPlus has engaged the use of positive deviant lead mothers. These mothers sensitize their communities on the importance of OSP as well as their cultivation and consumption; and promote recommended feeding practices among children and women of reproductive age.
Methods
Methodology: A cross sectional study design was adopted for this study. Random sampling was done, giving 104 lead mothers and 302 of their beneficiaries. Interview guides were used to capture information from respondents. Analysis was done using Epidata, SPSS.
Results
Results: Over 99% of beneficiaries were pleased with the work of lead mothers-46% indicated improved infant and young child feeding practices, and 40% reported general improvement in family health. About 99% and 82% of lead mothers and beneficiaries respectively had planted OSP the previous season. This paper also spells out the constraints encountered by lead mothers; best practices, gaps in implementation, and lessons learnt.
Conclusions
Conclusion: The use of positive deviant lead mothers is a workable strategy in sustaining biofortified crops in local communities, especially if these mothers are chosen by their local communities.
