Dietary studies in Ethiopia: dietary pattern among the Rift Valley Arsi Galla

Abstract

A dietary survey conducted among the Rift Valley Arsi of Ethiopia, focusing especially on the situation of the young child, has shown that major dietary deficiencies exist, especially with respect to intake of calories, vitamin A, and ascorbic acid. This is marked during the hungry season but is also noticeable during the harvest season. The deficiencies observed become more ominous when the increased demands caused by accumulated and continuous infections and parasitic diseases are considered.