Homestead food production model contributes to improved HouseHold food security, nutrition and female empowerment – experience from scaling-up programs in asia (bangladesH, cambodia, nepal and pHilippines)

Malnutrition, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, contributes significantly to the high rates of maternal and child mortality in Asia. In Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and the Philippines at least half of preschool children and pregnant women are affected by micronutrient deficiencies. To combat these deficiencies and resulting negative health outcomes, Helen Keller International has been implementing homestead food production programs (HFPP) coupled with nutrition education in these countries for more than a decade. The main objective of the HFPP is to increase and ensure year-round availability and intake of micronutrient-rich foods in poor households, particularly by women and children. This bulletin highlights the impact of HFPP among nearly 30,000 households in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and the Philippines from 2003 to 2007. Outcome indicators measured included household food availability, consumption and income, as well as anemia prevalence in women and children 6 to 59 months. Overall, the evaluations showed improved availability and consumption of vegetables, fruits and animal products such as egg and liver in participating households. Anemia among women and children 6 to 59 months decreased during the course of the program in some countries. Household income increased as a result of the homestead food production activities. Women’s involvement in household decision making improved. Therefore HFPP has the potential to improve dietary intake and nutritional status of women and young children and likely improves household food security and nutritional status of all household members.