Abstract
Background: Addressing undernutrition and malnutrition requires a multi-pronged approach targeting different populations with appropriate interventions. Knowledge and perception (K&P) of Individuals and communities about nutrition to human health relationship/ continuum is a prerequisite for addressing malnutrition in rural and mountain communities. Assessing K&P is essential for developing strategic interventions to upscaling K&P of communities and achieving nutrition security. Homestead gardens are a proven intervention for achieving nutrition security for all family members of gardeners. Methods: This paper includes homestead gardeners from the Himalayan Mountain Region (HMR) as respondents. We developed a scale to assess the K&P of respondents, based on ratings from 20 judges. A total of 134 issues/items have been retained in the scale from macronutrients, micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins. A framework has also been developed and adopted for the study. A knowledge and perception index (KPI) has been developed based on the respondents’ responses. We have reviewed and analysed the national policy interventions for augmenting the K&P of the study community to achieve nutrition security. Results: The nutrition K&P of respondents are inadequate and far from the desirable level. Policy review and analysis indicate that the creation of K&P in the community to contribute to self and family nutrition security was previously highly neglected. Conclusions: The policy process of national, state, and county/district-level development sectors in developing countries under the HMR may take the initiative to ensure self-nutrition security by creating K&P of the community on nutrition issues. The designed scale is prudent requires testing and validation for measuring farmers’ K&P on nutrition, which may be adopted in future studies and policymaking not only nationally but also from an international perspective.
About This Book
Mountain populations face significant challenges, including stress, hazards, and poverty, contributing to heightened food and nutrition insecurity [7]. In 2024, all eight countries in the Himalayan Mountain Region (HMR), excluding China, were classified as having serious to moderate hunger levels on the Global Hunger Index (GHI). The calculation of GHI includes four components, namely, undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality [8]. An adequate supply of food with sufficient content of nutrients (macronutrients and micronutrients) is the only alternative to improve the existing level of the index (GHI). Alarmingly, India’s standing among undernourished nations has shown little improvement over the past five years [9,10]. Malnutrition remains a critical issue, particularly in rural India, where it is more prevalent compared to urban areas [11]. Its intergenerational consequences are severe, as highlighted byWells et al. [6], who emphasised the erosion of socio-economic equity and overall development caused by malnutrition. Currently, 35.70% of Indian children under five years are underweight, 38.40% are stunted, and 21.00% are wasted [12]. In Arunachal Pradesh, data from 2015–2016 reveal that nearly one-third of children under five years are stunted, 17.00% are wasted, 19.00% are underweight, and 5.00% are overweight [13]. Vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women in low-income regions, bear the brunt of these impacts, amplifying existing inequalities and intergenerational cycles of malnutrition. Addressing malnutrition in the face of climate change requires a multi-faceted approach, integrating sustainable agricultural practices, climate-resilient food systems, and targeted nutrition programs to build resilience in affected communities. Although there have been improvements since previous surveys, child malnutrition remains a pressing issue both in the region and across India. Multiple factors contribute to malnutrition, including inadequate access to nutritious food. Tackling this issue requires a holistic approach involving targeted interventions and redefined goals within nutrition programs to meet the diverse needs of affected populations [14].