Food-based, low-cost strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies: evidence-based interventions in Lesotho and Malawi.

Abstract

The combined effects of HIV infection, food insecurity and malnutrition have fuelled adult death rates across southern Africa, causing an alarming increase in the number of orphans. The long illness commonly associated with HIV infection affects productivity, drains family resources and erodes livelihoods, leaving households and communities stressed, both nutritionally and socio-economically, and vulnerable to further deterioration. Regular intake of nutritionally adequate diets, including micronutrient-rich foods, is essential for boosting the immune system and maintaining good health. Lesotho and Malawi were piloted for a food security and nutrition project that included dietary diversification, aimed at improving micronutrient intakes among HIV-affected communities. The project's overall objectives included: protecting and promoting the nutritional well-being of HIV/AIDS-affected children; improving livelihoods and food and nutrition security among HIV-affected households; and strengthening the capacity of communities to provide support to HIV-affected households and children. This chapter restricts itself to showing it is possible to enable resource-poor, HIV- and drought-affected communities to combat micronutrient deficiencies through food-based approaches. Multiple strategies - including institution building, human resource development, use of participatory approaches, promoting bio-intensive methods of agriculture, and crop and diet diversification - were used in the implementation process. These strategies and technologies enabled communities to produce and access greater amounts and variety of micronutrient-rich foods all year round. Effective nutrition education and improved techniques in food processing, preservation and preparation increased the consumption of micronutrient-rich foods among target populations. Through appropriate strategies and technologies the capacity of resource-poor, HIV-affected communities to combat micronutrient deficiencies can be strengthened.