Contribution of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) to Nutrition Security of Children 2-5 Years in Migori County

Abstract

Malnutrition is linked to over three quarter of morbidity cases among children less than five years globally. In Kenya, it remains a major health problem. Its prevalence among pre and school going children raise an alarm for the need for nutritional surveillance or nutritional intervention programs. The main form of malnutrition in Kenya is protein-energy malnutrition. To solve this problem, many African countries, Kenya included, have embarked on promoting cassava production and utilization. This is because of its ability to grow in harsh environmental conditions there by seen as the best alternative food security crop. However, the main problem is that areas with high cassava consumption continue to record high rates of under-five malnutrition. The study aimed at establishing the contribution of cassava to nutrient adequacy of children 2-5 years in Migori County of Kenya. A cross sectional survey was carried out in Migori County, concentrating in Uriri and Nyatike Sub Counties where cassava is predominantly grown. Through Multi-stage sampling, 9 villages were identified of which 253 households were randomly selected. Data was collected on the households‘ demographic characteristics, economic activities and cassava production and consumption practices. The dietary diversity data of 2-5 year old children was also collected, their morbidity experiences and anthropometry measurements recorded taking note of their weight, height and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC). Seven cassava flour samples of different cassava varieties grown in the area were obtained from farmers and analysis done for moisture, cyanide and protein contents on flour and cooked ugali product. The main tools used for collecting data were semi-structured questionnaire that included the ones for food frequency, dietary diversity score and 24hr recall dietary intake. Analysis of results was done using Genstat, Nutri-Survey, Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) and ENA for SMART. The results indicated that the study population comprised of 1203 people of whom 48.2% were male and 51.8% women. The average household size was 4 and the mean age of the study children was 43 months with a range of 24 -59 months. The study showed that 72.1% of the households lived on average income of below 50 US dollars per month; however they highly depended on sale of farm and livestock produce (99.1%) for their daily economic sustainability. Ninety four percent of the households consumed cassava of which 88.4% produced cassava for their own consumption from their farms. The most preferred cassava variety was Rateng‘. Cassava consumption provided to the children 30% of energy and 0.69% of protein of their daily nutrient requirement. There was a positive correlation (0.32) between cyanide and moisture contents whereas a negative correlation (-0.31) between cyanide and protein contents. The main cassava products consumed were porridge and hard porridge (ugali). Majority of the households (95%) neither consumed nor were aware that cassava leaves are being consumed. It was established that the cyanide levels on average on dry flours was 53.23mg/kg while on ready to eat cooked ugali was 13.44mg/kg. This exceeded the WHO recommended levels of 10mg/kg of bitter cassava. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) for children was 4±1. The overconsumption of cassava was insignificant predictor of the dietary diversity score (p>0.05). There was a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation (0.17) between household size and DDS score of the children. The nutritional status of the children indicated that over 85% of the children had normal weight for age, height for age and weight for height. However, 13.4% of the children were wasted of which 6.3% were severely wasted. High prevalence of malaria (54%) and diarrhea prior to the study could have been a major contributor. Cassava contributed positively to the energy intake of 2-5years children and additional intake of other protein rich food products that reduced cases of malnutrition. Cassava farming households in the study area require support to promote low cyanide varieties in order to reduce the anti- nutrient intake.