Potential Role Of Baobab In Household Food Security In Kilifi And Kitui Counties Of Kenya

Abstract

Kitui and Kilifi counties in Kenya are marginalized agricultural areas characterized by recurring food insecurity and high prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children and women. These counties host a huge baobab population that occurs naturally and in abundance. The baobab tree has potential in improving household food security by contributing to the nutrient gap, diversifying and complementing diets. Moreover, the tree serves to improve household income and livelihoods for various rural communities. These commercial and subsistence potential has, however, remained unexploited. Formulation of a ready-to-eat convenience baobab snack made from readily available baobab pulp, sorghum and cowpea may increase baobab utilization; improve household food security; income and nutritional status. A cross-sectional study design to evaluate the potential role of baobab was conducted. The study also assessed the current gaps in food security status, food consumption patterns and nutritional status of children and caregivers. A baobab-based snack was developed and analysed. In this design, 216 caregiver/child pairs were randomly selected and interviewed. The Households Food Insecurity Experience scale (HFIES) was used to assess food security status. A quantitative 24-hour recall, non-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a household dietary diversity score (HDDS) were used to access food consumption patterns. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight for children and caregivers were also taken. Despite the majority (81.5% in Kitui County and 57.4% in Kilifi County) of the households` owning the baobab tree, its uses were limited. Availability of the tree, harvesting, consumption and sale of its products did not have a significant effect on food security status. Lack of knowledge (p = 0.01) and perceived health problems caused by baobab (p = 0.05) significantly reduced its utilization. The majority (98.2%) of the households were food insecure. In addition, the prevalence of stunting (28.6 %,), wasting (11.6 %,) and underweight (25 %) among children was high compared to national statistics and about 2% of the children were reported to be overweight Caregivers also reported a high prevalence of over weight (18.8%), obesity (9.1 %) and under-nutrition (14.8 %). A consumer acceptable ready-to-eat snack that is able to meet more than one third of the total daily requirements for children (6-9 years) and adolescents (9-13 years) for protein, vitamin C, zinc and Iron was developed from popped sorghum and baked cowpea. Baobab has a huge untapped potential in Kilifi and Kitui counties. Creating knowledge and awareness on its subsistence potential as part of the household’s diets and commercial potential as a value-added product is necessary for promoting its utilization. This may, in turn, increase household food security status and improve the nutritional status of household members living in this habitat.