Determinants of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption in WRA in Selected Kebeles of Oromia and Southern Nation Nationalities and Peoples Regions
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Date
2018-06-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
According to World Health Organization, (WHO) consuming the recommended amount of Fruit and Vegetable (F&V) can prevent a significant proportion of non-communicable diseases. Despite consistent evidence on the importance of F&Vs, their consumption in low-and-middle income countries like Ethiopia remains very low. The present study aimed to asses current levels of F&V consumption in selected districts of Oromia and Southern Nation Nationalities and Peoples Regions (SNNPR), and identify enablers and barriers towards F&V consumption. This cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative study was conducted in four districts of Oromia (Seeraa Waakalee, Anannoo Shishoo) and SNNPR (Doyo gena, Meskan). Data on food consumption, dietary diversity, anthropometric measures, and food preference was collected among 384 women of reproductive age. Using focused group discussions and in-depth interviews, enablers, and barriers of F&V consumption were identified. Diets were predominantly cereal-based. However, consumption of dark green-leafy vegetable in 24h preceding the survey was relatively high (>60%). However, less than a quarter of the women of reproductive age meet the minimum women dietary diversity score (>5 food groups). Consumption of fruit was particularly low. Most foods were minimally processed and were consumed relatively fresh (within two-hours of preparation). Although a number of F&V were stated as preferred, their consumption was hindered because of affordability, availability, and distance of marketplace. Food systems-wide interventions that not only promote consumption of F&V but also makes them available, accessible and affordable are needed.
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Keywords
Fruits, Vegetables, Food Systems, Food Preference, Dietary Diversity