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Micronutrient intake adequacy associated with shifting livelihoods in pastoralist communities of Samburu, Kenya
Author(s) -
Iannotti Lora,
Lesorogol Carolyn
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.845.18
Subject(s) - pastoralism , livelihood , micronutrient , livestock , poverty , socioeconomics , geography , agriculture , consumption (sociology) , environmental health , economics , economic growth , medicine , social science , archaeology , pathology , sociology , forestry
Pastoralist communities have traditionally depended on animal foods in their diets. Environmental and political pressures have led millions to agriculture and other income diversification strategies. This longitudinal study of two pastoralist communities with differing land adjudication policies, compared the probability of micronutrient intake adequacies in relation to livelihood transitions. Three waves of social, economic, and dietary intake data using 24‐hour recalls were collected in 2000, 2005, and 2010 (n=197). The pastoralist diet derived an average 49% of energy from maize followed by sugar (13%) and milk (11%), and showed high probability of inadequacies for vitamins A, B 12 , and C. Panel regression modeling revealed income, education of household head, cattle and chicken ownership, and beans and rice consumption were positive determinants of dietary diversity (overall adj R 2 =0.33; p<0.001). Livestock ownership predicted nutrient adequacy for vitamin A, B 12 , and zinc, while income predicted vitamin C adequacy. No differences by community, except for folate and vitamin C adequacy, were found. Future strategies to improve nutrition among pastoralists should: uphold livestock production and associated milk and meat consumption; improve access to fruits, vegetables, and legumes; and offer general poverty alleviation services. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation.