Modeling of Adequate and Low-cost Diets and Their Acceptability by Households Inkitui and Taita Taveta Countiesin Kenya

Abstract

Kenya has had a serious challenge of food insecurity despite its enormous agricultural potential. While many innovative solutions have been introduced over the years to solve this problem, it persists. Evidence-basedsolutions that capitalise on the local resources of the country are likely to be more successful and sustainable in tackling the food insecurity and nutritional inadequacy menace. The objective of this study was to model locally adapted nutritious diets for both study areas for non- pregnant, non- lactating women aged between 15-49 years old with moderate activity levels.This studywas conducted in Wundanyi and Mwatate Sub-counties in Taita Taveta County and Mwingi Sub-County in Kitui County. Market surveys (25 traders) andFocus Group Discussions(FGDs) involving 29 women of reproductive with moderate activity levels were carried out. Market surveys were conducted to record locally available foods. FGDs were carried out to determine culturally accepted dietary habits. Utilising the proprietary cost of the diet software, standard diets and their costs were modelled. The results indicate thatgrains and grain-based products take the lion’s share of the dietary budget, about 39%-52% for Kitui County and 50%-58% for Taita Taveta County. Vegetable and vegetable products take up a considerable budget throughout the year in both counties 27% and 21.5% for Kitui and Taita Taveta Counties respectively.In Kitui County, the average daily cost of a Locally Adapted Cost Optimized Nutritious(LACON) diet was USD4.36compared to USD 3.46 in Taita Taveta County. In Taita Taveta County, the locally adapted,cost-optimised nutritious diets include Avocados, small, dried fish, Amaranth leaf (as the main vegetable), refined wheat flour and millet grain. In Kitui County, the locally adapted cost optimised nutritious diets include Eggs, vegetable fat, spinach (as the main vegetable), wheat flour and millet grain. These locally adapted diets are designed to provide key nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins such as A, B1, B2, C, B12 and crucial minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. In conclusion, the low intake of fruits and the heavy dependence on plant-based sources of zinc and iron among the study populations is a matter of concern that needs to be addressed by policymakers by creating programs that incentivise the production and consumption of such local food