Crop diversity is associated with higher child diet diversity in Ethiopia, particularly among low-income households, but not in Vietnam

Abstract

Objectives: To examine associations of household crop diversity with school-aged child dietary diversity in Vietnam and Ethiopia and mechanisms underlying these associations. Design: We created a child diet diversity score (DDS) using data on seven food groups consumed in the last 24 h. Generalised estimating equations were used to model associations of household-level crop diversity, measured as a count of crop species richness (CSR) and of plant crop nutritional functional richness (CNFR), with DDS. We examined effect modification by household wealth and subsistence orientation, and mediation by the farm’s market orientation. Setting: Two survey years of longitudinal data from the Young Lives cohort. Participants: Children (aged 5 years in 2006 and 8 years in 2009) from rural farming households in Ethiopia (n 1012) and Vietnam (n 1083). Results: There was a small, positive association between household CNFR and DDS in Ethiopia (CNFR–DDS, β = 0·13; (95 % CI 0·07, 0·19)), but not in Vietnam. Associations of crop diversity and child diet diversity were strongest among poor households in Ethiopia and among subsistence-oriented households in Vietnam. Agricultural earnings positively mediated the crop diversity–diet diversity association in Ethiopia. Discussion: Children from households that are poorer and those that rely more on their own agricultural production for food may benefit most from increased crop diversity.

Production Choices and Food Security: A Review of Studies Based on a Micro-Diversity Perspective

“…Specifically, increased expenditure on food consumption contributes to improved dietary quality [56], while purchasing agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers contributes to agricultural production diversification. For example, Esaryk et al (2021), exploring the relationship between agricultural production diversity and dietary diversity among schoolchildren in Vietnam and Ethiopia, found that market access positively moderated the relationship, which is in line with the findings of another study in Bangladesh [38].…”

“…Based on the existing literature, the significant measures of agricultural production diversity include: Crop Counts. The number of livestock species was added to the number of crop species as measured over one year, i.e., for each species of crop planted or livestock raised, one point was assigned accordingly [ 8 , 11 , 13 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 47 , 49 , 52 , 53 ]. Food Group Production Diversity Score (FGPD).…”

“…The CDDS is an indicator specifically designed to measure children’s dietary quality, only considering the seven major food groups, i.e., grains, stems, and tubers; legumes and nuts; dairy; meat; eggs; vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits; and other vegetables and fruits. Thus, children’s dietary diversity scores range from 0 to 7 [ 13 , 18 , 19 , 32 , 43 , 44 , 53 ].…”

“…Even though existing studies provide much work in related areas, they have several limitations. On the one hand, most existing studies used cross-sectional data to measure the correlation between agricultural production and food security, and only a few studies used panel data [ 12 , 13 , 21 , 23 , 43 , 47 ]. Therefore, the study results should not be over-interpreted in a causal significance.…”

“…In general, diversification of agricultural production is the primary way to improve food and nutritional security among smallholder families with low socio-economic status, inaccessible transportation, and poverty. Esaryk et al (2021) identified a significant association between crop diversity and children's dietary diversity scores, particularly notable in impoverished households in Ethiopia and subsistence-oriented households in Vietnam [43]. However, market access and trade have more potential to improve dietary diversity among smallholder households with well-developed markets and higher income levels [34].…”