Contribution of Vegetable Gardens in the Control of Acute Malnutrition among Children of 6 to 59 Months old in Shombo Commune, Gitega Province
Fidèle Banzubaze
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Alain Fernand Ingabire *
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi., Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Medecine and Health Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Lambert Niyoyitungiye
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi., Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Natural and Environmental Sciences (CRNSE), University of Burundi, Faculty of Sciences, P.O. Box.2700, Bujumbura, Burundi and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burundi, P.O. Box. 2700, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Simon Buhungu
Centre for Research in Natural and Environmental Sciences (CRNSE), University of Burundi, Faculty of Sciences, P.O. Box.2700, Bujumbura, Burundi and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burundi, P.O. Box. 2700, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Marc Ndayisenga
Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the contribution of vegetable gardens to combating acute malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months in Shombo commune, Gitega province, Burundi. A cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical components was conducted in Shombo commune, Gitega province, from July to September 2024.
Methodology: A sample of 372 children from 372 households with children under five years was selected using systematic random sampling, comprising 186 households with vegetable gardens and 186 without. Data were collected through household surveys, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, MUAC), and interviews with local stakeholders. Nutritional status was assessed using weight-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores according to WHO standards. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis. The results of the Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between household vegetable gardening and the nutritional status of children.
Results and Conclusion: The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 4% among children from gardening households compared to 5.4% in non-gardening households. Similarly, underweight prevalence was 32% versus 38.7% respectively. Households with access to other sources of fruits and vegetables showed a malnutrition percentage of 3.4%, compared to 27.8% among those without access. Furthermore, 87.4% of households reported receiving information or training on gardening and nutrition. Vegetable gardens significantly contribute to reducing acute malnutrition among children in Shombo commune by improving dietary diversity and food security. Promoting vegetable gardening, coupled with nutritional education, represents a sustainable strategy for combating child malnutrition in rural Burundi.
Keywords: Shombo commune, acute malnutrition, children under five, vegetable gardens, dietary diversity