Effects of a participatory agriculture and nutrition education project on child growth in northern Malawi

Kerr, Rachel Bezner; Berti, Peter R.; Shumba, Lizzie

doi:10.1017/s1368980010002545

Cited by 97 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The SFHC project integrates sustainable agriculture and nutrition using a participatory approach to improve child nutrition, in which farming households develop and test different strategies, including crop diversification, organic methods, and nutrition education [50]. Previous studies found evidence that SFHC participating households improved their food security, nutrition and ecosystem services [51–53]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated agriculture programs to address malnutrition in northern Malawi

et al. 2016

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BackgroundIn countries where the majority of undernourished people are smallholder farmers, there has been interest in agricultural interventions to improve nutritional outcomes. Addressing gender inequality, however, is a key mechanism by which agriculture can improve nutrition, since women often play a crucial role in farming, food processing and child care, but have limited decision-making and control over agricultural resources. This study examines the approaches by which gender equity in agrarian, resource-poor settings can be improved using a case study in Malawi.MethodsA quasi-experimental design with qualitative methods was used to examine the effects of a participatory intervention on gender relations. Thirty married couple households in 19 villages with children under the age of 5 years were interviewed before and then after the intervention. An additional 7 interviews were conducted with key informants, and participant observation was carried out before, during the intervention and afterwards in the communities. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and analysed qualitatively for key themes, concepts and contradictions.ResultsSeveral barriers were identified that undermine the quality of child care practices, many linked to gender constructions and norms. The dominant concepts of masculinity created shame and embarrassment if men deviated from these norms, by cooking or caring for their children. The study provided evidence that participatory education supported new masculinities through public performances that encouraged men to take on these new roles. Invoking men’s family responsibilities, encouraging new social norms alongside providing new information about different healthy recipes were all pathways by which men developed new ‘emergent’ masculinities in which they were more involved in cooking and child care. The transformational approach, intergenerational and intra-gendered events, a focus on agriculture and food security, alongside involving male leaders were some of the reasons that respondents named for changed gender norms.ConclusionsParticipatory education that explicitly addresses hegemonic masculinities related to child nutrition, such as women’s roles in child care, can begin to change dominant gender norms. Involving male leaders, participatory methods and integrating agriculture and food security concerns with nutrition appear to be key components in the context of agrarian communities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated agriculture programs to address malnutrition in northern Malawi

et al. 2016

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“…A diverse diet has positive impacts on child nutritional status and other health outcomes in children, although there are counter examples (Arimond et al 2010;Berti and Jones 2013;Bezner Kerr et al 2011). In this context, there is need for studies exploring the role of agricultural subsidies, and crops grown, on household food consumption.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Filling the maize basket” supports crop diversity and quality of household diet in Malawi

2014

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Food security and dietary quality are broadly supported development goals, yet few studies have addressed how agricultural subsidy policies and promotion of modern crop varieties impact smallholder farm production and household diet. Crop intensification through subsidies could have indirect impacts through gains/losses in income and purchasing power, as well as direct influences on local availability. An integrated household survey conducted multiple times in Malawi provided evidence-based insights into the complex interactions between agriculture and nutrition. The nationally representative dataset indicated that agricultural input subsidies did not preclude crop or dietary diversity. Two pathways of subsidy impact appeared to be operating: an association with diversified cropping for a direct influence on available food quality; and an association with adoption of modern maize varieties for an indirect influence through commercialization and income that supports diverse food purchases. Although crop diversity was positively associated with dietary diversity, we found that education, income, market access, and availability of improved storage technologies had higher influence on dietary diversity. Finally, we provide evidence supporting the need for complementary investments in both education and employment creation, particularly for female heads of households.

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“…Our review identified only one study -on a participatory agriculture programme in Malawi (Bezner-Kerr et al 2010) -that assessed the effects of agricultural practice innovations on food security. It was unable to identify any effects of the programme.…”

Section: Effects On Food Securitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of training, innovation and new technology on African smallholder farmers’ economic outcomes and food security

Stewart¹,

Langer²,

Silva³

et al. 2016

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The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) is an international grant-making NGO promoting evidence-informed development policies and programmes. We are the global leader in funding, producing and synthesising high-quality evidence of what works, how, why and at what cost. We believe that better and policy-relevant evidence will make development more effective and improve people's lives. 3ie systematic reviews 3ie systematic reviews examine available high-quality evidence on the effects of social and economic development interventions in low-and middle-income countries. These reviews follow scientifically recognised review methods, and are peer reviewed and quality assured according to internationally accepted standards. 3ie is providing leadership in demonstrating rigorous review methodologies, such as using theory-based designs, for combining different types of evidence suited to respond to the complex and dynamic contexts and challenges of development. 3ie also publishes summary reports based on the full reviews that are designed for use by policymakers and programme managers. About this summary report AcknowledgementsThis review was made possible thanks to the generosity of many individuals and organisations. It was funded by Global Affairs Canada (formerly Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada), managed through the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie). 3ie also offered additional financial support for this review. In addition, the Centre for Anthropological Research at the University of Johannesburg generously allocated additional staffing to the review. We would also like to thank our international advisory group and peer-reviewers for their input to this review. ii SummaryThe majority of the rural poor in Africa engage in smallholder farming as a livelihood strategy. At the same time, supporting the practice of smallholder agriculture holds the potential to improve farming households' level of food security as well as local economies in rural areas. Agricultural productivity in Africa stands at one-third to half of global productivity and, although the Green Revolution has rapidly improved social and economic livelihoods in other former developing regions, it is by and large absent from the continent.Programmes that support African smallholder agriculture by implementing training programmes and introducing new technologies and agricultural innovations aim to help release the untapped potential of the African agricultural sector. But we know little about which programmes and approaches are most effective at improving smallholders' food security and economic outcomes. This is the first systematic review of the available research evidence to address this issue. Our objectives were to systematically review the evidence on the effects that training, innovation and new technology have had on African smallholder farmers' economic outcomes and food security. InterventionsThis review assessed the effects of two types of interventions on the livelihoods of Africa...

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Effects of a participatory agriculture and nutrition education project on child growth in northern Malawi

Abstract: Long-term efforts to improve child nutrition through participatory agricultural interventions had a significant effect on child growth.

Cited by 97 publications

References 24 publications

Integrated agriculture programs to address malnutrition in northern Malawi

Integrated agriculture programs to address malnutrition in northern Malawi

“Filling the maize basket” supports crop diversity and quality of household diet in Malawi

Effects of training, innovation and new technology on African smallholder farmers’ economic outcomes and food security

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