This report reviews government policies concerning consumer food prices in Kenya. In respect of official food pricing, Kenya can be said to pursue a 'cheap food' policy. It was found that most... Show moreThis report reviews government policies concerning consumer food prices in Kenya. In respect of official food pricing, Kenya can be said to pursue a 'cheap food' policy. It was found that most foods falling under price control measures showed less price increases than the average rate of inflation during recent years (1975-1984). Moreover, when compared to international prices, the data reveal that domestic maize prices (maize is Kenya's staple food) were kept well below comparable world market prices for this commodity. Official food pricing policy, however, does not reach the majority of the Kenyans who live in the rural areas. Here, consumer prices are determined by market forces, i.e. by varying local supply conditions, and there are substantial price variations, both seasonal and regional, even between adjacent rural markets. These price variations are further aggravated by the government's stringent regulations on food transports across district boundaries. It is therefore widely recommended that the (maize) food sector be liberalized by lifting movement controls and allowing private traders to participate in maize trading operations, although it remains to be seen whether this will in fact lead to less fluctuating food prices in rural Kenya. Show less
Based on a survey conducted in 1984, the authors discuss the nutritional conditions prevailing among farming households engaged in irrigated rice cultivation in the Kano plain, Nyanza Province,... Show moreBased on a survey conducted in 1984, the authors discuss the nutritional conditions prevailing among farming households engaged in irrigated rice cultivation in the Kano plain, Nyanza Province, Kenya. The survey covered four groups reflecting different degrees of participation in and/or dependence on irrigated rice cultivation: non-rice growers, individual rice growers participating in small schemes, non-resident tenants at large schemes, and resident tenants at large schemes. The observed differences in nutritional status between the four groups were above all related to differences in their resource base. The group with the smallest resource base, the resident tenants at the large irrigation schemes (Ahero and West Kano) showed the poorest results in all respects. The survey results do not substantiate the assumption made at the start of the irrigation schemes, that the livelihood of rural families can be fully covered by means of cash farming. Show less
Leiden [etc.] : African Studies Centre [etc.] (FNSP Report, no. 14), p. 156, 1985.|Based on a survey conducted in 1984, the authors discuss the nutritional conditions prevailing among farming... Show moreLeiden [etc.] : African Studies Centre [etc.] (FNSP Report, no. 14), p. 156, 1985.|Based on a survey conducted in 1984, the authors discuss the nutritional conditions prevailing among farming households engaged in irrigated rice cultivation in the Kano plain, Nyanza Province, Kenya. The survey covered four groups reflecting different degrees of participation in and/or dependence on irrigated rice cultivation: non-rice growers, individual rice growers participating in small schemes, non-resident tenants at large schemes, and resident tenants at large schemes. The observed differences in nutritional status between the four groups were above all related to differences in their resource base. The group with the smallest resource base, the resident tenants at the large irrigation schemes (Ahero and West Kano) showed the poorest results in all respects. The survey results do not substantiate the assumption made at the start of the irrigation schemes, that the livelihood of rural families can be fully covered by means of cash farming. Show less
During the course of 1978, the three Family Life Training Centres studied admitted 273 women accompanied by 674 children. Women with malnourished children (and their siblings) are admitted to these... Show moreDuring the course of 1978, the three Family Life Training Centres studied admitted 273 women accompanied by 674 children. Women with malnourished children (and their siblings) are admitted to these centres for a 3-week course consisting primarily of nutrition and health education, but also covering good housekeeping and agriculture. During their stay mothers are taught to prepare a balanced diet from local foods to treat their children's condition. A group of 61 mothers and 94 children were interviewed and examined at admission, at discharge and at their homes, six months afterwards. A control group consisting of 100 mothers and 147 children drawn from two rural areas were interviewed and examined twice over the same period. The study concentrated on: (a) socio-economic circumstances; (b) nutritional knowledge; (c) maternal food preferences; (d) food consumption of the children; and (e) nutritional status and progress of the children. It was found that the nutritional knowledge and preferences of the women admitted to the centres were no less than that of other rural Kikuyu women, and it appeared that malnutrition is related more to adverse socio-economic circumstances than to ignorance Show less
Contains an account of a study of the effects of the Pre-School Health Programme at three clinics in different ecological zones in Central Province, Kenya. Two groups of mothers were selected for... Show moreContains an account of a study of the effects of the Pre-School Health Programme at three clinics in different ecological zones in Central Province, Kenya. Two groups of mothers were selected for interviewing: recent entrants and longtime participants. The study concentrates on the following aspects: nutritional knowledge; maternal food preferences; food consumption of the children during the previous day; and nutritional status of the children. Conclusion: the strenght of the programme lies in the food distribution rather than in the educational component. Show less
This report contains an account of a study of the effects of nutrition education as given at three health centres in different ecological zones in Central Province, Kenya. Two groups of mothers in... Show moreThis report contains an account of a study of the effects of nutrition education as given at three health centres in different ecological zones in Central Province, Kenya. Two groups of mothers in similar social and economic situations were selected for interviewing: frequent and infrequent visitors. They were compared on the following indicators: nutritional knowledge, maternal food preferences, food consumption of the children during the previous day and nutritional status of the children. Conclusion: nutrition education has little or no impact on the whole range of nutritional attitudes of mothers, their behaviour and the nutritional status of children. Show less
Description of a research project. The studies cover general aspects of Kikuyu food habits such as foods presently in use, the classification of foods and food preferences for children. The... Show moreDescription of a research project. The studies cover general aspects of Kikuyu food habits such as foods presently in use, the classification of foods and food preferences for children. The emphasises is on the methods employed in these studies which can also be used elsewhere to obtain information vital to the evaluation and planning of child nutrition programmes. A discussion on foods used by the Kikuyu in the rural areas is accompanied by a list of food names in the vernacular. Show less
Nutrition education is widely accepted as an important means of improving the health of young children in developing countries. Based on research carried out in Uganda in 1971-1972, this book... Show moreNutrition education is widely accepted as an important means of improving the health of young children in developing countries. Based on research carried out in Uganda in 1971-1972, this book shows how studies of changes in knowledge and attitudes can provide unique insights into both the educational process and its success or failure. It also demonstrates that the social circumstances of the individual families play an important part in determining the effects of the teaching. It contributes to the information needed for planning nutrition programmes so as better to meet the actual needs of individual families of groups Show less
