Malnutrition in the history of tropical Africa

Abstract

The incidence of secondary malnutrition in the history of tropical Africa is described. Secondary malnutrition is presented as occurring when the opportunity to apply the knowledge of protracted lactation, the use of appropriate weaning foods, and the adoption of rules for sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy during lactation, has been lost. Information is presented from a literature review of 91 printed works from 63 European doctors, and one African doctor trained in European medicine prior to 1880 (when colonization started). It is concluded that between 1596 and 1880 secondary malnutrition only existed in areas of tropical Africa under foreign influence. It has increased dramatically since 1880, and particularly in the 20th century, because basic customs had been effectively destroyed during the period of colonization.