Beschreibung:
BACKGROUNDAnemia, iron deficiency (ID) and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) continue to be significant public health issues in northern Benin despite the installation of solar market gardens (SMGs), suggesting an urgent need of implementing nutrition programs to benefit the full impact of SMGs. One way to enhance the benefit is to know which fruits and vegetables (F&V) are currently consumed to determine their suitability to promote as a crop.OBJECTIVETo assess the consumption pattern of F&V in the Kalalé district of Northern Benin in order to identify which F&V could be promoted for improving anemia and micronutrients status.METHODSA cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 250 mothers/caregivers aged 19 years and above. Questionnaires were used to assess socio‐demographic characteristics and types of staples foods consumed including the types of F&V consumed and their frequency of consumption. Descriptive analyses were tabulated using STATA version 14.RESULTSSeveral F&V are eaten in the district, but their frequency of daily consumption is low. However, mangoes are abundant during the two fruiting seasons and could be easily accessed by the participating women. Likewise, Moringa oleifera leaves are available all year round and could be incorporated into selected recipes.CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONSMangoes and Moringa oleifera leaves are potential sources of β‐carotene to be promoted on a sustainable basis among SMG women’s groups of Kalalé district of Northern Benin. Additionally, nutrition educational messages should include behavior change campaigns that will make the women see the need for consuming F&V on a daily basis.Support or Funding InformationUniversity of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health Dean’s Annual Fund University of Arizona Graduate & Professional Student Council Travel Grant