From Diverse Farming Systems to Diverse Diets: A Path to Improving Children’s Diets in Rural Ethiopia

Children in rural areas of Ethiopia do not get adequate nutrients, which affects their growth and development. Since most rural households mainly eat the food they produce, improving agriculture can help improve their diets. However, farms in Ethiopia are very different from one another. Some households have more land, livestock and resources while others have very little. This research showed that children’s nutrient consumption is linked to the type of farming system a household had. Diversifying farming system with mixed crops and livestock options can help improve diets. However, it benefits wealthier households more. Poorer households may benefit if diversification option is combined with other opportunities, such as off-farm income and better access to markets. Overall, the study used a farming system approach to better understand how agricultural intervention options can improve household and children’s diets.

Tibebu Moges Chinasho,

candidate of the PhD defence: 'From Diverse Farming Systems to Diverse Diets: A Path to Improving Children’s Diets in Rural Ethiopia'