Infant and young child feeding practices among pastoralist and crop farming communities in Mvomero district, Tanzania
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Date
2020
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
This study aimed to determine feeding practices of infants and young children among
pastoralist and crop farming communities in Mvomero district, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study
involved mothers of children below two years of age, from crop farming (n=206) and pastoralist
(n=142) communities. ProPAN research tools and procedures were adopted for data collection
and analysis. Quantitative data were processed using ProPAN software and descriptive statistics,
t-test and Chi-square test were done by SPSS version 21 software. Qualitative data were manually
analyzed using the ProPAN matrices. Mean age of mothers (26 years) and of the studied children
(12 months) were similar for pastoralists and crop farmers. About 35% (n=50) of pastoralist
mothers had no formal education while 93% of the crop farming had at least attended primary
school. High proportion of crop farmers (66.5%) initiated breastfeeding within one hour after
delivery compared to about 35% in pastoralists. Pre-lacteal feeding was more common among
pastoralists (37%) compared to crop farmers (22%). Early complementation was more common
among pastoralists (87%) compared to crop farmers (48%). Limited knowledge on infant and
young children’s nutritional needs, traditional beliefs and cultural restrictions were among the
barriers to optimal infant and young child feeding practices. Awareness of mothers regarding the
recommendations, and mother’s desire for their children to attain good health were the facilitators
that enhanced mothers to comply with the recommended feeding practices. To promote optimum
feeding practices in both communities, stakeholders should consider planning programs on
educating community while addressing cultural specific barriers.
Description
Journal Article pp.22-33
Keywords
Children, Pastoralist, Crop famers, Feeding practices