Chronic undernutrition and the young

Abstract

The problem of chronic undernutrition and its direct and indirect effects, especially in Africa are multi-faceted and integrated, and have roots in socio-economic, cultural, environmental, political, technological and other factors. In this scenario, the immediate victims are children, especially those under 5 years of age. There seems to be a vicious cycle of maternal malnutrition, infant death and high fertility as well as malnutrition, ill-health and low agricultural productivity in Africa. These make the situation serious and chronic. It means that the structures which bring about this problem need critical re-evaluation, particularly in terms of increased agricultural productivity, both in quantity and quality, and normal nutritional status. Increased production of staple and supplementary foods is now a widespread need in the African continent, as is population control. Experience has shown that nutrition is a complex and interacting phenomenon which is very much influenced by policies that affect socio-economic structures. Since the problem of hunger and malnutrition is a structural problem, nutrition may be regarded as an integral part of development planning. Higher priority may be given, therefore, to food and nutrition planning and their subsequent integration into national development plans, especially by taking into consideration the vulnerable groups which are the children in the population (Idusogie, 1977).