Weaning foods in West Africa: nutritional problems and possible solutions

Abstract

Weaning practices and the problems of weaning foods in West Africa are reviewed. The low nutrient density and high bulk of the weaning foods, early introduction of solid foods, and unhygienic practices predispose infants to malnutrition, growth retardation, infection, and high mortality. Multi-approach strategies, involving the development of improved recipes and processing, nutrition education, access to safe water, good sanitation, economic empowerment of women, reduction in workload, and promotion of breastfeeding, are recommended solutions to the problems.