Influence of agricultural biodiversity on dietary diversity of preschool children in Matungu division, western Kenya

Abstract

Agricultural biodiversity encompasses the variety and variability of plants and
animals that are necessary for food production and accessibility. Loss of agricultural
biodiversity is taking place at a very high rate in Kenya. Many indigenous species that
are not only nutritious, but also adapted to harsh conditions are now associated with
poverty or backwardness. This profound change has great effect on preschool children
in Kenya. Their diets are predominantly based on starchy staples, little or no animal
products and few fruits and vegetables thus inadequate in quality and quantity
resulting to malnutrition. The main objective of this cross-sectional survey was to
determine the influence of agricultural biodiversity on dietary diversity of preschool
children in Matungu division, western Kenya. A sample of 144 households with
preschool children was drawn from Matungu division using multistage, proportional
and systematic random sampling techniques. Structured questionnaires and
observation checklists were used for data collection. Agricultural biodiversity was
measured by variety of food crops grown, types of animals domesticated for food and
food items obtained from natural sources. Dietary diversity was measured by the
number of food items across eight food groups with a reference period of 7 days. Data
were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequencies,
means and percentages were used to organize, describe and summarize data whereas
Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to test for statistical associations
between agricultural biodiversity and dietary diversity. Research findings showed that
households grew an average of three types of food crops kept two varieties of animals
for food and got two food items from natural sources. Preschool children had
consumed on average 13 varieties of foods in the one-week preceding the study. The
findings also revealed a positive and strong relationship between agricultural
biodiversity and dietary diversity (r= 0.704) indicating that 50% of the changes in
dietary intake could be attributed to changes in agricultural biodiversity. Therefore,
increased agricultural biodiversity enhances dietary diversity of preschool children
leading to improvement in their nutrition and health status. It was therefore
recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and related organizations reinforce
extension services (training/education on agricultural biodiversity and sustainable
utilization of neglected indigenous food sources) to rural populations especially
women.

Keywords: agricultural biodiversity, dietary diversity, children

AJFAND Vol. 8 (4) 2008: pp. 391-404