Contribution of Vegetable Gardens in the Control of Acute Malnutrition among Children of 6 to 59 Months old in Shombo Commune, Gitega Province

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.