Impact of healthy food and diet information on household food security: A randomized control trial in Kampala, Uganda

Healthy diets are unaffordable for almost 3.1 billion people worldwide, and in 2018, already 43% of the African population were urban dwellers. Our food systems changing rapidly, coupled with rising dietary aspirations. What healthy how can be reached increased an context was question project NOURICITY. Looking into different information channels to deliver on a low-income area Kampala, Uganda, two packages interventions developed based selected focus group discussions parish representatives. The first package consisted flier including graphic three groups (treatment 1). second included same plus interactive voice responses (IVRs) as phone call format 2). For study, we targeted 450 randomly households, which assigned (control, treatment 1, Respondents from Kanyanya (a Kampala city) selected. They visited times March well December year 2021, while intervention rolled out period September November 2021. measured using Household Dietary Diversity Score variety score is 7-day consumption recall, quality subsample women minimum diversity all women. results indicated statistically significant changes per at household 2021 compared However, difference-in-difference method between control did not display any difference level. dairy meat observed. Over 90% households 2 listened type IVR message. Although no effects found, receiving mentioned that calls easy follow, 80% sharing their neighbors 92% enjoyed has potential but needs improved upon.