Effect of Soybean Utilisation on Child Nutrition in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State

Abstract

The study assessed soybean utilisation and child nutrition among households in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. This was done by examining trained and untrained households with respect to nutritional status of children below the age of five. Data was obtained through questionnaires. This was supported by anthropometric measurement of children’s weight and height. Most (58.4%) household heads were between the ages of 36-40 years and majority (78.3%) of the household members had formal education. Primary occupation engaged in by households were farming (35.3%) and trading (25.0%). Plant protein constitutes the main source of protein and the most preferred by respondents. Only one soybean product - dadawa was being used by untrained households. However, trained households were using soybean to make dadawa, moinmoin, soymilk, soy ogi and soup. Majority (62.3%) of the children below the age of five years were normal. Children from trained households suffer less malnutrition than those from untrained households. Also, 18.1% of children from trained households were better off in terms of normal growth than 10.7% of those from untrained households. Lack of processing equipment and time factor were major constraints to soybean utilisation. A significant difference in soybean utilisation existed between trained and untrained households (t = 12.4. p ≤ 0.01). There was a significant relationship between nutritional status of children and soybean utilisation (r = 0.34. p ≤ 0.01). Also, there was a significant difference in nutritional status of children from trained and untrained households (t = 2.32. p ≤ 0.01). The study concluded that effective training on soybean utilisation innovations is key to improved protein malnutrition and child health in the study area.

Keywords: Soybean utilization, rural households, child nutrition