Impact of nutritional education on nutritional status and work participation of farm women in Khammam district

Abstract

The present study objective was to assess the effect of nutrition education on nutrient intake and work participation of farm women. A sample 90 farm women in age range of 30-50yrs who were not non pregnant and non lactating and with no chronic illness were selected for the study. The pre test revealed that their nutrient intake didn't meet the RDA and their work part participation was also less. The nutrition education about the importance of balanced diet, food groups and their functions and eat right according to body requirements and working status was conducted. After intervention significant differences in food consumption pattern and nutrient intake was found. The work participation of the farm women also increased. Introduction Women constitute major percentage of the agricultural labor force in the rural sector, producing much of the country's food. In rural India, the percentage of women who depend on agriculture for their livelihood is as high as 84%. Women make up about 33% of cultivators and about 47% percent of agricultural laborers (Singh. Et al. 2009) [5]. These statistics do not account for work in livestock, fisheries and various other ancillary forms of food production in the country. Despite the fact that women are predominantly the food producers for the nation, majority of them are anemic, malnourished and have health problems due to insufficient nutrient intake. Their protein and energy intake falls below the recommended daily allowance (RDA) or recommended nutrient intake (RNI). This contributes to the high incidences of differential Feeding practices, which results in malnutrition and invariably low productivity. Studies with respect to female farmers' nutrition status, which is one of the major links to their health and level of productivity is being neglected. Hence, the issues of nutritional concerns and role of women have emerged as global concerns. Low intakes of nutrient reduce the physical capacity to work and increase the extent of fatigue accident rate and sickness. Improvement in work efficiency and output require adequate diet, sufficient not only in calories but also protein, minerals and vitamins which must be made available. This study therefore seeks to investigate and highlight female farmers' nutrition status in the study area. Particularly it seeks to assess nutrient intake of the six major nutrients needed by female farmers to enhance their reproductive and productive roles.