Nutrition Garden Research Articles

Establishing Sustainable Food Production Communities of Practice: Nutrition Gardening and Pond Fish Farming in the Kolli Hills, India

This study describes the formation of nutrition gardening and pond fish farming communities of practice (CoPs) among small-scale farmers of the Malayalis tribe living in the Kolli Hills region of Tamil Nadu, India. We examine the factors that have shaped the formation of these CoPs, their purpose and function, who is involved, what activ­ities hold these communities together, and their role in strengthening sustainable food production and consumption practices. Data were obtained through participatory rural appraisals (PRAs), key stakeholder interviews, and participant observa­tions during four months of fieldwork. The pri­mary motivations that led the nutrition gardeners and pond fish farmers to become part of CoPs were to improve the health and nutrition of their families and to obtain expert advice in sustainable food production practices. Both CoPs are in the early stages of development and differ not only in the types of food they produce and the skills and tools needed for their success, but also in their structure; nutrition gardening takes place at the individual and/or household level, whereas pond fish farming operates at the group and/or commu­nity level. The ways in which members experience being in a community also differs. Nutrition gar­deners rely on open-ended conversations and community creation through relationship building; in contrast, fish farmers find that group meetings and maintaining transparent record-keeping are most important. Sustainability of these practices and the CoPs depended on factors internal to the communities (e.g., leadership, knowledge mobiliza­tion) as well as external factors (e.g., rainfall and market potential). See the press release for this article.

Backyard nutritional kitchen garden for combating malnutrition and raising the additional income

Malnutrition and poor health condition is one of the common problems in rural areas of our country. It retards growth, increases the risk and duration of illness, reduces work output and slows social and mental development. the main cause of malnutrition is lack of balance nutrients in the diet. For poor households, vegetables and fruits are often the only sources of micronutrients in the family diet. Vegetables help combat malnutrition and diversify diets. Mostly rural people depend on grains for food; less consumption of vegetables, green vegetables; fruits and milk are the reasons for malnutrition. Kitchen gardening is one of the world's most ancient food production practices and is practiced throughout the world. Homestead production of fruits and vegetables provides the households with direct access to important nutrients that may not be readily available or within their economic rich. Dietary diversification balances the diet by enhancing supply of essential micro-nutrients leading to improved health, enhanced thinking ability and increased efficiency. Improved vegetable nutrition garden is better than traditional homestead vegetable garden. the improved model involves many crops that can be repeatedly harvested to meet a family's vegetable needs throughout the year. therefore, present study was conducted to see the impact of kitchen gardening in improving the nutrional security and economic status of households in rural areas. The demonstration was conducted among 20 farm women's in Nutri Smart Village Morghira and Bijaori of Burhanpur district of M.P. The total population of village Morghira and Bijauri was 4961, out of which 13 were found malnourished which has decreased to 03. Farmers were producing sufficient food but consumption was not up to the mark. After interventions, there was a significant increase in availability and consumption. Observation recorded that production of vegetables on beneficiaries field increased 76% which resulted in increased profit up to 69% worth Rs. 2700. The cost benefit ratio was 1: 2: 4.

Effect of Nutrition Education on Knowledge Level of Farm women

The study was conducted in five villages namely Sainji, Sakanayana, Dhulet, Dhor and Simkhet of block Pabou, in Pauri Garhwal district. Twenty farm women from each village were randomly selected and socio-economic profile was recorded. Nutritional education regarding four selected topics was imparted. Scores for pre test knowledge and after imparting education, scores for gain in knowledge and retention of knowledge were recorded. Maximum gain (65.5%) and retention (51%) was observed for the message related to importance of nutrition garden followed by message on nutrition for children. For all the formulated messages, post test scores after one week and one month was higher. Significant increase in gain and retention of knowledge was recorded. Findings indicated that nutritional education intervention was helpful in gaining knowledge in the selected topics.

O11 - Hunger and Environmental Nutrition (HEN) Garden Lab: Participant Outcomes in a Garden Literacy Program Targeting Nutrition and Dietetics Students

Objective: Although gardens are now common in K-12 farm-to-school initiatives, there currently is a deficit of research on initiatives targeting adult, college-aged students. The goal of this project was to identify which teaching practices best improved garden literacy and self-efficacy in nutrition and dietetics students. Target Audience: Nutrition and dietetic students (n = 30). Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: This study used a community-based participatory approach that guided development and implementation of the HEN Garden Lab education and teaching methods. Description: The curriculum was revised and repeated over three consecutive years with three different cohorts of students. Teaching style differed each year, beginning with cooperative extension and by the third year, peer education. Participants completed a pre/post program questionnaire to collect information related to demographics, self-efficacy (0–10 scale), and garden literacy. Evaluation: The sample was divided into three subgroups according to the program year. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and interpreted by percent change calculations. The first year showed that pre/post program quiz scores showed an average percent increase in garden literacy by 21% and confidence in teaching sustainability concepts by 63%. Confidence outcomes for teaching diverse populations (e.g. children, adult, elderly, and low-income) increased by 23.5% in the second year. Third-year results included an increase in garden literacy at 20%, participant gardening self-efficacy at 139%, and participant cooking confidence at 17%. Conclusions and Implications: Each year's teaching style and related curriculum resulted in different participant outcomes. The first and third year had the most impact on garden literacy changes but the second year resulted in the highest participant efficacy for teaching diverse populations. This program could guide the incorporation of garden-based education into undergraduate nutrition and dietetic internship programs while improving garden literacy and confidence in nutrition education among future nutrition professionals. Funding: None.

Optimization of the area of nutrition gardening as a factor of intensification of fruit vegetation

Optimization of the area of nutrition gardening as a factor of intensification of fruit vegetation

An Effort to Build Child-friendly City

The research was motivated by the condition of lack attention by the local government on protecting the children and the implimentation of the issuance of Law No. 35 of 2014 on Children Protection, which mandates local governments to care the children. This study is to describe the various efforts made by the government of Surakarta and Makassar in realizing child-friendly city (KLA), the supporting and obstacle factors surrounding the KLA embodiment. By using qualitativedescriptive method, the study found some important points about the efforts of local governments on realizing the KLA. In Surakarta, for example, there have been several child-friendly community health centers (puskesmas). The Puskesmas is equipped with a private lounge complete with a children’s playground. In addition, services for children such as nutrition garden, corner of breast milk, pediatrician, child counseling services and a child abuse victim services also continue to be equipped. No wonder the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Republic of Indonesia assessment scoring 713 from a total value of 31 indicators contained in the KLA who had filled the city of Surakarta. Meanwhile, Makassar City has not done a lot of local government programs, because the relatively new Makassar proclaimed KLA and is still central to reform. Among the new programs are being implemented and the Government of Makassar is giving birth certificate free of charge, to build flats in slums, and make the two villages as a KLA pilot project. The factors that affect the embodiment of the KLA is a commitment, not only commitment of the head region, but also all relevant parties. As a cross cutting issue, the KLA also requires insttersebuttional capacity, not only the capacity of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Agency as a leading sector in the KLA, but also all related other working units in the area. The success of the KLA in a city is also very depending on the commitment of all parties concerned built. In addition, the program can not be done KLA in a short time, but it needs periods of time and costly effort.

Impact of School Nutrition Garden on the Nutrient Intake of Children

Impact of School Nutrition Garden on the Nutrient Intake of Children

Development of Vegetable Nutrition Garden Model For Diet Diversification and Improved Nutrition Security of Urban and Peri-urban Households

Vegetables help combat malnutrition and diversify diets. Dietary diversification balances the diet by enhancing supply of essential micro-nutrients leading to improved health, enhanced thinking ability and increased efficiency. Improved vegetable nutrition garden is better than traditional homestead vegetable garden. The improved model involves many crops that can be repeatedly harvested to meet a family’s vegetable needs throughout the year. The crops and their varieties are scientifically selected to be highly nutritious with few pest and disease problems. The suggested model can produce 300 kg of vegetables annually, sufficient to meet vitamins and minerals requirement of a family comprising four members.

Social practices of knowledge mobilization for sustainable food production: nutrition gardening and fish farming in the kolli hills of India

Concerns about food security are growing around the world, precipitated by climate change, resource degradation, a growing population and increasing income disparity. In India, food insecurity is high in many rural farming communities, especially among isolated tribal populations. In this study we examine how knowledge about sustainable food production is acquired and mobilized among small-scale farmers belonging to the Malayalis Tribe, who reside in the Kolli Hills region of Tamil Nadu, India. We focus on nutrition gardening and fish farming, two production practices recently introduced to alleviate poverty and malnutrition in the region. Using qualitative participatory research methods, we explored ways in which farmers are accessing, using and sharing knowledge about these practices, and barriers to equitable access. We also asked farmers what information is still lacking about these practices and what mechanisms could be put in place to improve access. This research revealed that participants in both nutrition gardening and fish farming rely primarily on external experts (non-governmental agricultural research and extension) for formal training (e.g. workshops) and advice, despite a long history and traditional knowledge of gardening and river fishing. Agricultural knowledge is also mobilized within the region less formally between individuals and households through face-to-face contact or verbal communication via mobile phones. The use of additional communication technologies (e.g. computers) to enhance access and mobilization of knowledge was perceived to be most relevant and beneficial for young, educated people.

Papaya cultivation brought socio-economic and nutritional security in Sirohi tribals of Rajasthan, India-A case study

During last four years, under papaya plantation mission (technology of cultivation + quality seedling of papaya) run by KVK Sirohi more than 2.36 lakh papaya plants were planted in 95.0 hectare area. Total production of papaya during last four years was 18.19 thousand tonns and their market value was Rs. 14.57 crores (3.64 crores per annum). Total net return from papaya was Rs. 12.02 crores (3.00 crores per annum) with 4.77 benefit: cost ratio as reported during experimentation period (2008-2011) in the district. By this intervention, 40,565 additional mandays employment was generated during last four years. The papaya producers made pucca houses (37%), purchased utility facilities (40%), maintained bank accounts with more than Rs. 10,000 balance (52%), gave good education to children (27%) and purchased improved agricultural implements (32%). In addition to this, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra established more than 5,000 nutrition gardens having 5-15 papaya plants for nutritional security of malnourished rural population. Papaya based nutrition-gardens increased fruit consumption of the farm families by consuming 280 kg more fruits than without having nutrition garden families. A significant change was observed in socioeconomic conditions of respondents as they started earning upto Rs. 2.25 lakh/ha per annum. Thus, papaya production proved a milestone in tribal empowerment by providing social, economic, employment, health and nutrition security.

Nutrition garden: an essential component of diversification for sustainable agriculture

Agriculture sector is facing a serious trouble and new challenges. Increasing pressure of population explosion, decline of profitability in farming, degradation of land and water resources, ecological and environmental imbalances, health hazards, present production pattern, existing cropping system has threaten the sustainability of agricultural growth. In view of these compelling factors diversification in agriculture has becomes the need of the hour. In the present paper the authors from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana advocated a Nutrition garden model of approx. 1500 m2 area which can help in diversification of agriculture and food security of the people. It was concluded that if all the farming families adopt nutrition garden model in Punjab then 3.97 percent land can be diversified forever. Moreover this much area will be pesticide free, using meager quantity of fertilizers and without any marketing problems.

Operationalizing the Concept of Farming System for Nutrition through the Promotion of Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture

Despite impressive gain in agricultural production and greater availability of food, a large population in India is suffering from nutritional imbalance. Improvements in total agricultural production leading to nutritive food would help combat under nutrition. To demonstrate the feasibility of agriculture- based remedy to malnutrition, five villages in Wardha district of Maharashtra were selected for validating the farming system for nutrition (FSN) approach. On-farm demonstrations of arable crops and women-managed community nutrition gardens (CNGs) of vegetables and fruits were initiated. A wide choice of nutritive vegetables to be grown was promoted to reduce the off-farm transport cost and ensure higher availability of nutritive vegetables to the households. The additional nutritional gain through FSN can be quantified in terms of equivalence and can be calibrated to ensure that the households get the recommended daily intake of nutrition. Accordingly, a FSN approach is evolved to provide nutritional security to every house-hold.

A restrospective study of the nutritional status of primary school children in Harare

Malnourished children may grow up to become adults with reduced physical and cognitive capacity. Knowledge of trends of children’s nutritional status over time is important to raise awareness, guide resource allocation as well as develop nutrition -related interventions for communities. A retrospective study was conducted in Harare using data collected and compiled by the Harare City Council Nutrition U nit. Trends of nutritional status of primary school children in high density areas of Harare were examined in relation to stunting and wasting. All anthropometric data generated from 2003 to 2011 by the Harare Nutrition Unit were analysed. Age was calculated by subtracting the date of birth from the date of interview. The Z -scores for height -for- age (HAZ), and weight -for- height (WHZ) were calculated using the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) standards. Children with HAZ and WHZ less than - 2 SD from the median reference population were considered stunted and wasted, respectively. The least squares method was used to determine the strength o f outcome change measures over time . A decrease in stunting was observed from a prevalence of 10.2% to 7.4% over the period 2003 to 2011 in males (R 2 = 0.13), and from 7.8% to 4.4% in females (R 2 = 0.29) over the same period. Wasting in both males and females was on a slower decrease starting only from the year 2007 to 2009 (R 2 = 0.11) for males and (R 2 = 0.05) for females. There has been an increase in wasting in recent years from 2009 to 2011 in males (2.7- 4.6%) and females (3.1- 3.6%). More males among primary school children are both wasted and stunted than females. The results demonstrate a decreasing prevalence in stunting in primary school children but there is an increase in prevalence of wasting in primary school children. Interventions to curb the rise in wasting in primary school children in Harare’s high density areas are warranted such as resuscitation of school nutrition gardens , school feeding program and health education.

The Role of Nutrition Gardens in the Healthcare of HIV/AIDS Infected and Affected Urban Households

This study assessed the role played by low input nutrition gardens in improving the livelihoods of HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in the urban areas of Zimbabwe. Structured interviews were conducted mainly with infected and affected households in th e city of Harares high density suburbs. A stratified random sampling design was used to select respondents from the three suburban areas, with each suburban area acting as a stratum. Sixty six households were then randomly selected from a sampling frame o f 182 using the lottery technique from three suburbs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most of the households (39%) grew green leafy vegetables in their low input nutrition gardens. Herbs and bulbous vegetables were grown by 33% and field c rops by 28% of the households. Low input nutrition gardens contributed diversification of vegetables and herbs which enhanced the health status of the HIV infected and affected households. According to the respondents, nutrition gardens offered affordable healthy food because they are environmentally sustainable. Low input nutrition gardens should therefore be integral to the livelihoods of HIV/AIDS infected and affected households in a context characterized by prohibitive costs of acquiring food and medica tion. Original ResearchArticle

Evaluation of the Outreach School Garden Project: Building the capacity of two Indigenous remote school communities to integrate nutrition into the core school curriculum

This paper describes the Outreach School Garden Project, which was conducted in two remote Indigenous school communities in north-west Queensland. This project integrated nutrition into the key learning areas of the core school curriculum by using a school-based garden as a nutritional education tool. Evaluation was by a descriptive qualitative approach supplemented by some quantitative data consistent with Indigenous research methods. The objectives were linked to the Health Promoting Schools Framework, using concepts of community capacity building, action research, social capital and experiential learning. Nutrition was extensively integrated into the core school curriculum by the teaching staff, who required no specific nutrition knowledge or gardening skills prior to the implementation. Students' knowledge and skills in nutrition and gardening were increased over the six-month period and positive improvements in the physical and social environment at the school were observed. A school-based nutrition garden enables the teaching and learning of basic nutrition through the core school curriculum. This concept was an innovative, practical nutritional education tool to engage and build the capacity of Indigenous students, school staff and the broader community in nutrition.

Hortaliza: A Youth “Nutrition Garden” in Southwest Detroit

Hortaliza: A Youth “Nutrition Garden” in Southwest Detroit