Odo Shakiso Woreda (Borena Zone) Baseline Nutrition Study
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ODO SHAKISO WOREDA (BORENA ZONE) BASELINE NUTRITION STUDY TABLE CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 1 1. Background to the Study 1 2. The Survey 2 2.1 The Purpose of the Survey 2 2.2 METHODOLOGY 2 · Survey Methodology and Sampling Frame 2 · Variables Measured and Recording Information 3 2.3 Organisation and Management of the Survey 3 · Organisation 3 · Training of the Data Collectors 3 · Management of the Survey 4 2.4 Organisation and Management of the Data 4 · Data Editing and Input 4 · Data Analysis 4 2.5 Other Sources of Information 4 · Focus Group Discussion 4 · Market Survey 4 · Discussions with the Woreda Sector Offices 5 3. Results of the Study and Discussions 5 3.1 Nutritional status 5 3.2 Vaccination and Health Status in the Studied Children 6 3.3 Socio-economics and Food Situation of the Interviewed Households 6 · Head of Household and Household Size 6 · Staple Foods of the Family 7 · Pattern in Acquisition of Staple Foods 7 3.4 Family Health Aspects of the Interviewed Households 7 3.5 Sanitation and Water Aspects of the Interviewed Households 8 · Water Requirement and Source 8 · Changes in Water Supplies and Quantity 8 · Inadequacy of Water Year Round and the Reason for Shortfall 8 · Intervention Requirements in Water & Sanitation 8 3.6 Focus Group Discussions 9 3.7 Results of Market Surveys 9 4. Discussion on Context 10 4.1 Food Security Situation 10 4.2 Malnutrition Level and Related Stresses 10 4.3 Response to the Crisis 12 5. Recommendations Future Actions 12 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report offers major findings of a baseline nutrition survey that was commissioned by the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and undertaken by the consultant in Odo Shakiso Woreda of the Borena Zone. Odo Shakiso Woreda is situated in the northern part of the Borena Zone. The Woreda has a total population of about 100,000 and organised into 20 Kebele out of which a total of 34,125 people are affected by the current drought-induced food shortages. The ERCS and DPPC are distributing regular monthly rations to the selected 34,125 beneficiaries. Only 4 members in a selected household are eligible to receive the dry ration of 12.5 kg/head. ERCS has distributed ration to 7 Kebeles and the rest are covered by the Federal DPPC. The Woreda is well known for its rich alluvial gold deposits and mining that attracts a number of fortune seekers from neighbouring districts and regions. Mining itself requires a lot of soil moisture and a great volume of water for washing the clay off the gold powder. The attractive forestry and the wildlife are also in great threats in these non-restricted movements and clearing of trees. i NUTRITIONAL STATUS AT THE WOREDA LEVEL <-2 Z-Score <-3 Z-Score LEVEL N % N % Weight-for- 111 18.6 10 1.7 length(WL), n=695 (CI, 15.6 – (0.9–3.2) 22.0) Among the studied children (n=695), Acute Malnutrition or wasting (<-2 Z Scores) is 18.6% (N=111). Odo Shakiso Woreda has recorded one of the highest levels of PEM when compared with some national and such pocket surveys. The caretakers have reported that 318 (45.8%) out of 694 children were ill. This is a high level of ill health. Diarrhoea alone accounted for more than 45% in children indicating a high pattern of malnutrition. The Woreda has 6 clinics and a Health Post. More than 88% (N=484) of the households have reported maize as their main staple diet. The majority (78.5%, N=428 out of 545) purchase from the market and 96.1%, (N=526) of them have insufficient food items under their possession. Those who currently buy food get the money from daily labour (including mining) 83.6%, N=437. The survey population of 73.9% reported daily water requirements of more than 20 litres. More than 96.8% of the water is from ii unprotected sources. More than 46.6% of respondent household have to walk (both ways) for more than 1 hour to fetch water. Numerous respondents, (58.5%, N=318) reported that they do not get water year round. The reason for the shortfall is drying of the sources part of the year. Water is a scarce commodity in many villages and house. Supply of clean water is non-existent even in Shakiso town. Private commercial tankers and donkeys transport water from rivers to some populated villages for sale. Recommendations Strengthening of the ERCS Sub-Branch Offices in Kibre Mengist and Shakiso and the establishment of warehouses should be an immediate priority. The ERCS should strongly advocate for adequate food aid and inputs in health and water sectors development. Launch training programs to the Youth Club members about the activities of the ERCS including food, nutrition, health and the benefits of wildlife for the community. Closely monitor the nutritional and health situations in the Woreda and follow-up nutritional surveys should be conducted every six months. Maize grain should constitute a priority grain for general dry ration iii distribution and the volume of shipment should be increased for involvement of the population in food-for-work development activities. The possibility of extensive utilisation of able water should be explored. The use of baseline information for future project appraisals, implementation, monitoring and impact evaluation is highly recommended. iv ODO SHAKISO WOREDA (BORENA ZONE) BASELINE NUTRITION STUDY INTRODUCTION 1. Background to the Study This report offers major findings of a baseline nutrition survey that was commissioned by the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and undertaken by the consultant in Odo Shakiso Woreda of Borena Zone (TOR and map of the area are attached in Annexes Section). A separate brief report about the situation, observed in adjacent Adola- Wadera Woreda, is also annexed (Annex 4). Odo Shakiso Woreda is situated in the northern part of the Borena Zone. Borena Zone is one of the areas that have been affected by drought-induced crop failures and the precipitating food shortages and ill health. The Woreda has a total population of about 100,000 and organised into 20 (2 urban, and 18 rural) Kebele/Peasant Associations (K/PAs) out of which, according to the authorities of the Woreda, a total of 34,125 people are affected by the current drought-induced food shortages. Currently, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has been involved in the Woreda in terms of distributing relief food and is making utmost effort in mobilising resources to contribute towards containing the current food shortages. Therefore, a need was felt to undertake a baseline nutrition survey of the Woreda to understand the extent of the need and regulate the ERCS’s assistance as well as for further advocacy for resources and planning of health, water and nutrition-related interventions. 1 The report is presented in four parts. The first part deals with the background and description of the study site while the second part highlights the objectives and the methodology. The third part presents the major findings of the study. The fourth part of the report discusses the findings of the study in the context of the current situation in the in study area and the fifth and final part gives recommendations for further actions. Detailed accounts of the study results are presented in the appendices and annexes sections. 2. The Survey 2.1 The Purpose of the Survey The first and the most immediate purpose of the study were to assess the malnutrition level, to determine the extent of the need and generate a baseline information on food, health and water needs of the general population. The survey findings are also thought to support the suggestions to be forwarded for the immediate and future nutritional and health inputs for action and advocacy. 2.2 METHODOLOGY · Survey Methodology and Sampling Frame The consultant, maintaining WHO’s/FAO’s standards and using DPPC guidelines set for such assessment (as fit for such population dynamics), has designed the study. A final sample size of 672 children (70-110 cm length) was determined using sample size calculation method for a 2-stage cluster sample survey (with 30%-estimated prevalence, 5% precision and 5% error risk). A total of 26 clusters were studied from 6 rural FA/PAs and all eligible children in a household were included for anthropometric measurement. 2 · Variables Measured and Recording Information Recumbent length was recorded to the nearest 0.5 cm using standard length board. Each child was weighed, using hanging spring scale graduated by 0.1 kg, with minimum clothing (estimated deductions for the minimum clothing were made) and the weight of each child was recorded to the nearest 100 gram. Wherever available, age and vaccination status have been recorded from their EPI card whilst the mothers’ responses were recorded in the absence of such a card. Mothers were interviewed about family food, health and water using structured questionnaires (Annex 2). 2.3 Organisation and Management of the Survey · Organisation The survey work was organised into 4 teams consisting of a team leader (a Nutrition Field Worker) two/three trained assistants (ERCS Youth Volunteers) and a guide/interpreter. The assistants help the team leader in measuring the children, recording and filling-in the questionnaires. The guide/interpreter would help each team in locating the selected Kebele/PA introducing the team. The consultant supervised the data collection at random to ensure consistency and that the qualities were maintained. · Training of the Data Collectors The survey team leaders and assistants were assigned by the consultant. Although the team leaders were experienced Nutrition Field Workers (NFWs) who have been conducting such surveys, a refresher orientation, in the context of the current study, was given for 2 days in Addis.