Tackling poverty through private sector microcredit programs in Ghana: Does infant and young child nutrition improve?

Abstract

Low income is a barrier to optimal feeding practices of infants and young children (IYC).Microcredit programs for rural Ghanaian women aim to increase incomes, which may improve the quantity and quality of foods given to IYC. This study examined (1) the association between a mother's participation in a microcredit-only program and IYC dietary quality and nutritional status, (2) factors influencing IYC feeding among mothers, and (3) factors influencing the incorporation of nutrition education within a microcredit program. Participants included 102 active microcredit (MC) member mothers and 102 non-microcredit (NMC) member mothers and their youngest child (6-23 mo). Information was collected on IYC feeding practices, length, and weight, and household socio-demographic characteristics. Focus group discussions were conducted with 6 NMC mothers and 15 MC mothers. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 staff associated with the MC program. A mother's participation in MC was positively associated with her child meeting minimum dietary diversity recommendations.Compared to the NMC group, IYC in the MC group met this indicator more often and consumed more legumes and nuts, and dairy products (p<0.05). There were no differences in nutritional status after adjusting for covariates. NMC mothers cited family as their main influence on IYC feeding practices while MC mothers cited health workers as most influential and reported that loans increased their financial independence but had little to no impact on IYC feeding practices. Barriers to incorporating nutrition education in a MC program included high staff caseload, lack of external training, and low priority status. Private sector activities such as MC may play a role in improving the diet of IYC in Ghana; however, added nutrition education may be necessary to see improvements in child growth. Long-term partnerships between rural banks and nutrition-related organizations are needed to ensure sustainability of education components over time.