Abstract: Changes in heat and precipitation as a result of climate change are expected to have adverse effects on health, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. The World Health Organization estimate that 34% of all juvenile (under age 14) health problems globally, are due to climate modifiable environmental factors. In the Lake Victoria basin (LVB) Kenya, projected impacts include food scarcity, child mulnutrition, enteric diseases and malaria. In this study, we sought to assess the impact of drought on the household’s food options and juvenile diet in the LVB, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 168 randomly selected households in Gwasi hills and Kano flood plains, LVB, Kenya. Data collected included socio-demographic factors, types of foodstuff available for households and juveniles. A twelve-hour household’s weighed food uptake assessement was conducted for five days (i.e Monday to Friday). An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to the collect. Respondents were 40% (67) and 60% (101) male; female respectivly in two sites. Gwasi hills had a higher level of education (3.9± 2.5 y vs. 2.2± 1.6 y, p=0.05); were more likely to be bread winners (53.2% vs. 6.7%, p<0.001), had better monthly incomes ($6.8± 2.7 vs. 3.9± 2.4, p<0.001) and fewer children (3.5± 1.4 vs. 4.2± 2.2, p=0.01) than the households in the Kano flood plains. Maize meal was dorminantly consumed by households. Dry fish (locally known as omena), was the predominant source of protein. Foodstuff consumed in the households did not meet juvenile diet requirements. Climate change adaptation strategies to improve household’s sources of food are needed in the LVB, Kenya.
Keywords: Climate change, Adaptation, diet.
Title: Rapid Appraisal of Climate Change Impact on Household’s And Juvenile Diet in the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya
Author: Omemo Peter, Olago Daniel, Ogara William, Wandiga Shem
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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