Food Consumption and Nutrition in the Kenya Coast
Kenya Coast Portal
Section:
Books, reports and dissertations
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Number of pages:
68
Year of publication:
1998
Print title:
Klaver W. & Mwadime R.K.N. (1998). Food Consumption and Nutrition in the Kenya Coast. (ASC Working Paper No.31). Leiden: African Studies Centre
For reference purposes, cite the following link:
https://www.ascleiden.nl/kenya-coast/brd/klaver-mwadime/food-consumption-and-nutrition
Summary/abstract:
The coastal region is a net importer of food and food security is not assured for a sizeable part of Kenya's coastal population. Furthermore, the food pattern, which relies heavily on maize and cassava, is lacking in dietary quality and variety. This results in nutritional problems among the population which are partly hidden, but which surface most clearly among vulnerable groups such as women and children. While these problems are the corollary of poverty and ill health, they can be partly prevented by appropriate caring behaviour.
The nutritional problems in the region are serious but there are also signs of hope and of 'resilience': children do show catch-up growth, as soon as circumstances become a bit better, such as in the dry season, or when they grow older and become less vulnerable. This paper describes food habits, food availability and food adequacy in rural households, energy and nutrient intake by food groups and households, and the nutritional status of children. The final sections examine nutrition programmes and interventions in the Kenya Coast by governmental and non-governmental organizations.