Assessing food practices among women of reproductive age
Goal
To uncover the demand-related determinants of purchasing, preparing, consumption, and feeding practices among women of reproductive age (WRA) with low socioeconomic status in secondary cities (SCs) of Rwanda, and to identify possible interventions to enhance the demand of agroecologically produced food.
SCs link rural food production with urban populations. SCs are growing rapidly without infrastructure, and face changes in dietary patterns. All forms of malnutrition have been identified among WRA. SCs offer an opportunity for food systems transformation.
A thematic analysis was conducted among WRA with low socioeconomic status living in SCs Rubavu and Rusizi. Eighteen face-to-face, in-home observations were conducted. These observations covered the participants’ way of living, home environment, shopping, and cooking observation as well as a pantry/kitchen audit.
