Seasonal dimensions of energy protein malnutrition in rural bangladesh: The role of agriculture, dietary practices, and infection

Abstract

The influence of seasonal variations in agriculutral practices, dietary intakes and illness on the nutritional status of preschool children was examined in this longitudinal study of approximately 200 woman‐child pairs in rural Bangladesh. The seasonal nature of cropping patterns was associated with varying levels of rice prices, agriculture wage rates, and household food stocks. Rice prices were highest, household food stocks lowest and agricultural demand weakest in August‐October, the months preceding the major rice harvest. Maternal work patterns also varied by season with the peak demand on women's time coincident with postharvest rice processing activities. Breastfeeding frequency declined during the months when maternal activities increased, suggesting that time available for childrearing activities varied seasonally. Seasonal patterns in diarrheal disease and other illnesses were also observed. Maternal and child nutritional status exhibited seasonal variations which were associated with low levels of family food availability. However these fluctuations were more pronounced among the landless than among landowning families. Maternal nutritional status also varied by landholding, with landless women weighing an average of 39.9 Kg compared to 41.9 Kg for women in landowning families. A reduction of the marked seasonal fluctuations of nutritional well‐being appears important to eliminate the severe consequences of malnutrition and to assist in breaking the cycle of rural poverty.