Dietary intake, forest foods, and anemia in Southwest Cameroon.

BackgroundForest cover has been associated with higher dietary diversity and better diet quality in Africa. Anemia prevalence among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa is very high and diet is one known contributor of a high prevalence rate. We investigated whether living in communities with high forest cover was associated with better diet quality and lower anemia prevalence among women of reproductive age in Southwest Cameroon.MethodologyWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 247 women of reproductive age from four forest-based villages (n = 126) and four non-forest villages (n = 121). We assessed the Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, anthropometric status, and diet (by 24-hour recall), as well as anemia-related morbidity and socio-demographic characteristics. Differences between groups were assessed with Pearson's chi-square and independent T-tests. We used a number of multivariate regression models to estimate the impacts of forest proximity on adjusted hemoglobin status of women of reproductive age, as well as to identify the most likely pathway through which forest proximity was important.ResultsWe found that women living in forest communities had higher adjusted hemoglobin levels (mean hemoglobin concentration 11.10±1.53 g/dl vs.10.68±1.55g/dl; p = 0.03 for women forest and non-forest communities respectively). Moderate to severe anemia prevalence was significantly higher in women living in the non-forest villages compared to women in forest villages (forest 63% vs. 73%; p = 0.04). Compared with women from non-forest villages, women from forest-based villages had consumed significantly more vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables and animal source foods, and more of these came from the forest (as opposed to the farm or purchased sources). We found that the consumption of Gnetum africanum (Eru), a leafy green vegetable that grows in forests of the Congo Basis, was best able to account for the higher levels of adjusted hemoglobin in women in forest communities.ConclusionThis study contributes to the growing evidence that in some circumstances, forests make important contributions to diet quality and nutrition. The results of this study suggest that plant foods from the forest may make important contributions to iron intake and reduce the risk of anemia in women. Efforts to prevent forest loss and maintain ecosystem services are warranted to enhance nutrition and health of forest-based communities

Assessment of Snail Farming from Selected Villages in the Mount Cameroon Range, South West Region of Cameroon

This study examined the role of snail farming (Heliculture) as a potential tool for conservation and livelihood development in forest dependent communities around the Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP). The villages selected for this study were Mapanja, Bonjongo, Mokunda and Boana based on their proximity to forest resources. Since it was a pilot study, farmers were selected based on their prior knowledge on snail farming or were currently farming snails locally. A total of 38 questionnaires were distributed to snail farmers of which were 18 males and 20 females in the four villages and we recorded a hundred percent respondents. The questionnaires were based on forest related activities such as collection of non timber forest products, agricultural practices and collection of woody products. Observations, monitoring and progressive evaluations were made overtime on some behavioural changes (frequency to the forest for hunting, harvesting of forest products and snail meat consumption). Observations were made on the number of snails stocked, number of dead snails, number of eggs, and number of baby snails. The data were entered into excel and analyzed descriptively.  We noticed that after the establishment of snail farms in these communities overtime, individuals covered less distances into the forest 2hrs/week in Mapanja, and less than 1hr/week in Bonjongo, Mukunda and Boana. The number of traps set reduced from 80% in Mapanja and Mokunda to less than 20% and 60% in Bonjongo and Boana to less than 20%. It was noticed that snail meat consumption increased after snails farms were established, Mapanja 29%, Bonjongo 37.5%, Mokunda 33.3% and Boana 29.2% when compared with other protein sources. It was concluded that if proper management of the snail farms around the MCNP can provide a better alternative of bush meat hunting, provide income and reduced human influence on the forest

Assessment of Snail Farming from Selected Villages in the Mount Cameroon Range, South West Region of Cameroon

This study examined the role of snail farming (Heliculture) as a potential tool for conservation and livelihood development in forest dependent communities around the Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP). The villages selected for this study were Mapanja, Bonjongo, Mokunda and Boana based on their proximity to forest resources. Since it was a pilot study, farmers were selected based on their prior knowledge on snail farming or were currently farming snails locally. A total of 38 questionnaires were distributed to snail farmers of which were 18 males and 20 females in the four villages and we recorded a hundred percent respondents. The questionnaires were based on forest related activities such as collection of non timber forest products, agricultural practices and collection of woody products. Observations, monitoring and progressive evaluations were made overtime on some behavioural changes (frequency to the forest for hunting, harvesting of forest products and snail meat consumption). Observations were made on the number of snails stocked, number of dead snails, number of eggs, and number of baby snails. The data were entered into excel and analyzed descriptively.  We noticed that after the establishment of snail farms in these communities overtime, individuals covered less distances into the forest 2hrs/week in Mapanja, and less than 1hr/week in Bonjongo, Mukunda and Boana. The number of traps set reduced from 80% in Mapanja and Mokunda to less than 20% and 60% in Bonjongo and Boana to less than 20%. It was noticed that snail meat consumption increased after snails farms were established, Mapanja 29%, Bonjongo 37.5%, Mokunda 33.3% and Boana 29.2% when compared with other protein sources. It was concluded that if proper management of the snail farms around the MCNP can provide a better alternative of bush meat hunting, provide income and reduced human influence on the forest

Prevalence, correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infection among children below 5 years living in the forest community of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional assessment

In low- and middle-income countries, undernutrition often co-exists with intestinal parasites, especially Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children. The collective impact of both conditions result in undernutrition and can exacerbate the general poor health status of children. A cross-sectional survey of 422 mother-child (12–59 months old) pairs from 14 villages in the District of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon, was carried out to assess the magnitude and correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites. Socio-demographic data were collected from mothers and anthropometric data were collected from children. Parasitological assessment was performed using a combination of direct microscopy flotation, sedimentation and centrifugation techniques. Correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites were identified using multinomial logistic regression at individual and household levels. 83.77% of the children assessed for undernutrition were undernourished and 66.82% were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. It was not uncommon for the study participants to be concurrently infected with two or more intestinal parasites. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica/dispar and Hookworm infection. Multinomial logistic regression using Nutritional status as outcome showed that, children who were not exclusively breastfed were 106% (RR = 2.06; C.I = 1.12–3.80) more likely to be underweight compared to those who were exclusively breastfed. The household size of 4 to 6 persons also significantly impacted wasting (p-value = 0.007) at 7% (RR = 1.07, C.I = 0.49–2.32). Analysis by a logistic regression model with STH infection as outcome revealed that, Fingernail cleanness (p-value = 0.044; AOR = 1.75; CI = 1.09–2.78) and household size (p-value = 0.038; AOR = 0.55; CI = 0.32–0.92) were positively associated with intestinal parasite infection at the 5% significant level. This study reveals that intestinal helminthic parasitic infections (STH) and undernutrition are serious health problems in children below five in the study area. To address this dire situation, concerted efforts are needed to improve sanitation, hygiene education access, community deworming programs, and improve diets

Sociodemographic characteristics of participants.

Sociodemographic characteristics of participants.</p

Determinants of intestinal parasitic infection among children 12–59 months old.

Determinants of intestinal parasitic infection among children 12–59 months old.</p

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Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in children 12–59 months old.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in children 12–59 months old.</p

Undernutrition risk factors among children 12–59 months old.

Undernutrition risk factors among children 12–59 months old.</p

Nutritional status.

Nutritional status.</p