Formative research for the development of a market‐based home fortification programme for young children in Niger

Abstract

The objective of this formative research was to assess the acceptability of a micronutrient powder (Sprinkles ® ) and a lipid-based nutrient supplement (Nutributter ® ), and to explore people's willingness to pay for these products in a resource-poor context like Niger. In four sites, 84 focus group discussions among mothers, fathers and grandmothers of children 6-23 months were conducted, as well as 80 key informant interviews of mothers who participated in a home study where their children 6-23 months were given either Sprinkles ® or Nutributter ® to use either for a period of 4 weeks, or they were given both products over the 4-week period, i.e. Sprinkles ® for 2 weeks and Nutributter ® for an additional 2 weeks. The mothers understood how to use the products and generally used the products correctly. Both products were highly acceptable to adults and most children. In Niamey, where the 4-week home study used both products for 2 weeks each, the mothers tended to prefer Nutributter ® . The mothers who used either product were pleased with the improvements they saw in their children's health, including increased appetite, weight gain and increased energy and activity. A few mothers were concerned with how they would be able to provide for their child's increased appetite. Most participants across all four sites reported that they would be willing and able to afford to buy a single sachet of either Sprinkles ® at a cost of US$0.03 or Nutributter ® at a cost of US$0.08 several times a week. This study provides evidence that both of these products were are highly acceptable in different settings in Niger and suggests that delivery of Nutributter ® or Sprinkles ® at a low or subsidized cost through a market-based system may be possible in Niger, if an appropriate distribution system can be identified.

Willingness to pay for lipid‐based nutrient supplements for young children in four urban sites of Ethiopia

“…Using the BDM method the Ghanaian range narrowed ($0–$0.67) and the mean fell by roughly half to $0.26/20 g. In Niger, Tripp et al . () used a direct method of asking mothers what they would pay for 20 g of Nutributter in both urban and rural locations. If the Nigerian population were to follow the pattern observed in Ethiopia and Ghana, the actual WTP may be closer to half the stated values.…”

“…For example, a longer duration of use could more convincingly demonstrate nutritional benefit, as observed by Tripp et al . (). Decreasing exposure to simply show the product on a store shelf or have participants listen to a radio advertisement for the product could help to estimate WTP for new users that might not have personal experience with the product.…”

Promoting multi‐micronutrient powders (MNP) in Peru: acceptance by caregivers and role of health personnel

“…These additional activities have been reported as helpful components in Nigeria (Tripp et al . ), Haiti (Loechl et al . ) and Kenya (Jefferds et al .…”

Barreras y facilitadores a la suplementación con micronutrientes en polvo. Percepciones maternas y dinámica de los servicios de salud

“…Las madres resaltan las ventajas del MNP sobre el sulfato ferroso, como que el suplemento se puede esconder en los alimentos, se siente menos el sabor y no tiñe los dientes; no encontramos estudios que hayan explorado este aspecto. Asimismo, se encontró que las madres también están muy motivadas a seguir la suplementación, cuando ellas mismas perciben las mejoras de sus niños y reciben el testimonio de algún familiar, igual que en dos estudios de Perú y Nigeria (12,27) . El estudio tiene limitaciones inherentes al diseño de estudios cualitativos, como es la representatividad de las percepciones, dado que se realizó un muestreo teórico, que no permite inferencias.…”