Determinants for Purchasing, Preparing, Consuming, and Feeding Practices Among Women of Reproductive Age With Low Socioeconomic Status in Two Secondary Cities in Rwanda

OBJECTIVES: Secondary cities (SC) link rural food production with urban populations. SC are rapidly growing, lack of infrastructure and face changes in dietary patterns. Across women of reproductive age (WRA) all forms of malnutrition have been identified. SC offer an opportunity for food systems transformation. We argue to uncover the demand-related determinants of purchasing, preparing, consuming, and feeding practices among WRA with low socioeconomic status living SC in Rwanda to identify possible interventions to enhance the demand of agroecological produced food. METHODS: Thematic analysis is conducted among WRA with low socioeconomic status living in SC -Rubavu, and Rusizi- in Rwanda. Eighteen face-to-face, in-home observations were conducted in the manner of compact ethnographic research. These observations covered the participants’ way of living, home environment, shopping and cooking observation, a pantry/kitchen audit. Transcripts from the interviews are being coded with NVIVO software. Ethical consent was provided by the Rwanda National Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Preliminary findings show that most WRA involved in the interviews prepare two meals per day. The most commonly food items consumed are irish potatoes, bananas, rice, and flour, with women indicating little to no intention of trying out new dishes or new preparation type. The most common cooking method is boiling, salt and garlic being the primary spieces used. WRA do not consume special food items based on their current life stage (pregnancy or lactation). The household budget for purchasing food is provided and decided mainly by men; however, women make the purchase and cooking decisions. The purchase of foods is determined by price, owing to minimal purchase power. Health care professionals and social workers are the trusted source of information. Final results will be available by May 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will help design a social marketing campaign to promote the purchasing, consumption, and cooking practices of locally produced agroecological foods that is specifically targeted to WRA of low socioeconomic status living in those SC. FUNDING SOURCES: The NICE project is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, ETH Zürich, Sight and Life, and the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture.