Undernutrition among Under-Five Children in Two Fishing Communities in Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania
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Date
2013-06-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canadian Center of Science and Education
Abstract
Undernutrition and food insecurity are critical problems among under-five children in many developing
countries. This study was carried out for eight months between 2009 and 2011. It combined quantitative data
(N=156) and qualitative data to explore nutritional status among under-five children in Jibondo and Chole
villages within Mafia Island Marine Park in Tanzania. Weight-for-age analysis was performed according to
World Health Organization standards to determine the proportion of underweight children among the samples.
The prevalence of underweight children was high in both villages, and in Jibondo village it was even higher
(69%) than in Chole village (40%). Interviewees attributed the exceptionally high underweight problems in
Jibondo to a substantial reduction in breast-feeding frequency. This was because mothers resumed seaweed
farming and octopus fishing soon after delivery. Consequently, infants were fed poor-quality nutritional
substitute foods at a tender age. Decreased family income, food insecurity, changes in gender roles and increased
responsibilities for women were also perceived to be key underlying problems contributing to higher levels of
undernutrition among children in the study areas. If healthy generations and sustainable social-ecological
systems are to be achieved within the Park in the future, policies that review fishing restrictions, improve fish
trading, increase household food security and liberate mother’s time for breastfeeding and child-caring activities
would be essential to address the current undernutrition among the under-fives.
Description
Keywords
Undernutrition, Food insecurity, Under-five children, Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania
Citation
Moshy, V.H., Masenge, T.J. and Bryceson, I., 2013. Undernutrition among under-five children in two fishing communities in Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania. Journal of Sustainable Development, 6(6), p.1.