Preliminary studies on some aspects of Kikuyu food habits†

The research reported here was financed by the Africa Studycentre, Leiden, Netherlands.

The preliminary studies presented in this paper were conducted prior to a comprehensive evaluation of child nutrition programmes among the Kikuyu in Kenya. They cover general aspects of Kikuyu food habits such as the foods presently in use, the classification of foods and food preferences for children. The emphasis is on the methods employed in these studies which can also be used elsewhere to obtain information vital to the evaluation and planning of child nutrition programmes.

A discussion on foods used by the Kikuyu in the rural areas is accompanied by a list of food names in the vernacular. Certain changes that have occurred over the last decennia are briefly touched upon. A quick method of studying food classification is described. There are no indications that the Kikuyu food classification differs substantially from the nutritional assignation generally used.

The remainder of the paper concentrates on the measurement of maternal food preferences. It is shown that the method of paired comparisons gives highly consistent and reliable results. Maternal preferences are also remarkably similar for different parts of Kikuyu country with a high preference for legumes and some starchy foods while certain cereals are held in conspicuously low regard.

Key words:

• food habits, Kenya
• food planning, education
• classification of foods
• program evaluation
• food preferences

Notes

The research reported here was financed by the Africa Studycentre, Leiden, Netherlands.