The Impact of Culture on the Nutritional Status of Children and Mothers Durrinng Recurring Food Insecurity: The Case of Boreicha Woreda (SNNPRS)

Abstract

The major goal of this study was to assess the impact of culture on the nutritional status of children and mothers during the recurring food in security with a particular reference to Boriecha Woreda, Sidama Zone in the Sothern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS). The research was conducted into two purposively selected peasant associations (Kebeles) of Boriecha Woreda, Yirba- Duuwancho and Belila-Medolomukeanqa. This selection was based on the two reasons. The first reason is that both kebeles have health centers where malnourished children and their respective mother’s receive health services. The second reason both kebeles are centers for the most drought prone areas compared to the other kebeles in the woreda. To achieve this goal, an attempt was made to collect the data in the study area by using different mechanisms. Qualitative research methodology was employed in the study for its appropriateness to explore the impact of culture on the nutritional status of children and mothers during the recurring food in security in the study area. However, with a limited degree the research was also utilized quantitative research method. Data was collected through the use of interview, focus group discussion, personal observation and document review. In the research areas, the targeted groups were pregnant and lactating women those who were suffering from malnutrition (under nutrition), mothers who had malnourished child, household head husbands of the family with the problem, the community elders, health post workers, religious leaders, aid delivery program workers were among others. The results obtained from the study suggest that the culturally patterned role and status of women and socially constructed gender hierarchy, in the study society, as well as the extended and unplanned family structures found directly contributed for the recurrence, frequency and prevalence of acute, moderate and severe malnutrition (under nutrition) among children (<5), lactating and pregnant mothers.