Household Food Practices and Nutrition Challenges in Kotwa, Varanasi: A Field-based Study

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21868426

Diksha Bishnoi (National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi)

Nutrition is part of everyday household life, but rural households often face greater difficulty in maintaining diverse and nutritious diets. Food availability alone does not ensure adequate nutrition, also income, everyday food habits, gender roles, local beliefs, and awareness of balanced diets shape household food practices. This study examines the household food practices and nutritional challenges in Kotwa, Varanasi. This paper is based on primary field data collected from 100 households, with equal representation of male and female respondents. A descriptive mixed-method design was adopted, through household survey with structured questionnaire, interviews with Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and women from different backgrounds with direct field observations. The survey found the meal frequency, dietary diversity, awareness of nutritional deficiencies, use of multivitamins, Body Mass Index (BMI) categories, and access to government nutrition programmes. The responses suggested that most of the households in Kotwa depend on cereal-based meals, and irregular consumption of pulses, milk, fruits, green vegetables, eggs, and other nutrient-rich foods. Nearly 60% of respondents showed awareness of nutritional problems, but their daily practices didn’t support their answers. Around 60% of women reduced food intake during their menstrual cycle, only 50% of enrolled children regularly consumed Mid-Day-Meal/PM POSHAN, 40% of respondents lacked clarity about intake of multivitamins. Government nutrition programmes were known in the study area, but their usage was inconsistent. Field observations showed that nutritional problems in Kotwa are linked to poverty, limited dietary diversity, gendered food practices, and implementation gaps in nutritional programmes and services.