Within the framework of the Joint Project Machakos a nutrition intervention programme was carried out. Intervention subjects were 53 children with W/A .ltoreq. 65 per cent of the Harvard standard. The mothers were invited to attend nutrition clinics every 4 weeks for seven consecutive sessions. The children were weighed and measured and the mothers received individual and group education, as well as supplementary food to take home. For evaluation purposes a less malnourished group of 65 under fives (65 per cent < W/A .ltoreq. 75 per cent) was regularly seen as well. By the end of the programme there was no significant difference between the children whose mothers received nutrition education and supplementary food, and the children in the comparison group.