Discriminant function analysis for tracing successful factors associated with livestock projects for nutrition improvement in western Kenya.

BACKGROUND

Livestock development is one of the major important strategies adopted by the Government of Kenya to expand agricultural output and to improve the nutritional status in rural areas. Livestock development interventions have targeted women smallholder farmers, with the realization of the great role they play in agriculture and as gatekeepers of the health and nutritional status of their household members. The purpose of the present study was therefore, to trace successful factors associated with Livestock Projects in Kenya in improving food and nutrition of populations.

METHODS

Discriminant functions for tracing successful factors for improved food security with livestock development projects were constructed for socio-demographic and agro-economic variables, patterns of food and nutrient intake by households, women and preschool children. The power of efficiency of various combinations was compared between beneficiary and non-beneficiary households, women and preschool children of the Livestock Development Projects (LDPs.)

RESULTS

The order and best set of socio-demographic and agro-economic variables that differentiated between beneficiary and non-beneficiary households were milk price, time and income expenditure in the dairy enterprise expenditure on veterinary services, knowledge of dairy management, occupation of women heads of households, employment status of households member and milk yield. The order and best set of foods that were different between beneficiary and non-beneficiary households, women and preschool children were consumption of milk and milk products and green leafy vegetables. Further the order and the best set of nutrients that differentiated between beneficiary and non-beneficiary households, women and preschool children were intake of protein, vitamin A and energy.

CONCLUSION

Livestock Development Projects, improved intake of milk and milk products green leafy vegetables, protein, vitamin A and energy among beneficiaries. These projects have great potential to improve food and nutrient security of households.