INFANT AND YOUNG-CHILD FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG AFRICAN PASTORALISTS -THE DATOGA OF TANZANIA

Breast-feeding and weaning practices were observed for a cohort of 81 children under 3 years of age in the context of a longitudinal study o f social, ecological and nutritional factors affecting growth in a sem i-nomadic population of pastoralists in northern Tanzania (WaDatoga of Mbulu District). The adequacy of indigenous infant and young child fe eding practices was assessed in relation to current international reco mmendations. Objectives were to provide baseline data for future inves tigations of any changes in young child feeding practices which accomp any population shifts towards settlement and non-pastoral modes of sub sistence, and to improve understanding of the strengths and limitation s of indigenous feeding practices in this type of population. It was f ound that while breast-feeding was universally initiated, other aspect s of young child feeding practices do not meet current international r ecommendations. Prelacteal feeds are commonly used, supplementary feed ing with non-human milks usually occurs before 4 months of age, use of solid foods normally begins later than 6 months, and breast-feeding d oes not continue until 2 years of age for the majority of children. Th e data have implications for the design of breast-feeding promotion an d improved weaning food interventions among African pastoralists.