Problems encountered in the community-based production of leaf concentrate as a supplement for pre-school children in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Leaf concentrate (or leaf protein) production continues to be promoted in the developing world but its feasibility as a community-based activity has never been adequately evaluated. In Sri Lanka the feeding of leaf concentrate to children attending Sarvodaya nursery schools has recently been implemented. Using hand-operated machinery and relying on community participation for leaf provision and processing, the objective was to provide leaf concentrate equivalent to 333g of leaf/child daily.

The feasibility of this process was evaluated by monitoring leaf provision, machine performance, community participation, attitudes, and acceptability over a seven month period.

Leaf provision and community participation were found to be inadequate. The machinery was inefficient and unpopular, and the process was considered too time-consuming. Whilst the leaf concentrate itself was acceptable, this method of supplementing pre-school children is not sustainable in Sri Lanka.