Peer-reviewed article
Sociocultural and structural influences on infant and young child feeding in pastoralist communities of Afar, Ethiopia: a qualitative phenomenological study.
Ali AS, Belachew T, Shaka MF, Yimer AS, Abate KH ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explored how pastoralist communities in Ethiopia's Afar Region practice infant and young child feeding, using interviews with 16 mothers and focus groups with 20 community leaders. Feeding practices are shaped by cultural rituals, elder authority, seasonal water availability, maternal workload, and livelihood instability. While mothers were aware of exclusive breastfeeding, cultural practices like pre-lacteal feeding and drought-driven food scarcity limited proper nutrition. The research found that gender dynamics, clan networks and lack of service access deeply influence what and how children are fed.
Key points
- Pre-lacteal feeding linked to the Onor/Onqor ritual delayed breastfeeding initiation despite mothers' awareness of exclusive breastfeeding
- Seasonal water scarcity and maternal workload limited consistent exclusive breastfeeding practice
- Complementary feeding was introduced at 6 months but dietary diversity was constrained by drought, market inaccessibility and rising food prices
- Gendered household dynamics meant women bore primary responsibility for childcare and feeding
- Clan-based social networks provided support during hardship but also reinforced traditional feeding practices
Limitations
This is a qualitative study based on participant reports from one region of Ethiopia, so findings may not generalise to other pastoralist settings or represent actual feeding practices rather than reported practices. The study does not measure child nutritional outcomes or health impacts.
Abstract
Background Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are critical for child growth and survival, yet they are strongly shaped by sociocultural and livelihood contexts. In pastoralist settings, feeding practices are influenced by traditional beliefs, mobility, environmental constraints and access to health services. However, limited evidence exists on how community norms and social structures influence IYCF in remote pastoralist communities of Ethiopia. Objective This study aimed to explore maternal and community perspectives on IYCF practices in the pastoralist communities of Afar Region, Ethiopia. Design Qualitative observational study using a phenomenological approach. Setting Pastoralist communities in the Afar Region, Ethiopia. Participants 16 mothers of children aged 6-23 months participated in in-depth interviews, and 20 community members (religious leaders, elders and clan leaders) participated in three focus group discussions. Methods Participants were purposively selected. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group guides, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Results Four interrelated themes shaped IYCF practices. Cultural rituals and elder authority influenced breastfeeding initiation, particularly following home births, where pre-lacteal feeding linked to the Onor/Onqor ritual was described as delaying initiation. Although awareness of exclusive breastfeeding was commonly reported among participants, seasonal water supplementation and maternal workload limited consistent adherence. Complementary feeding was generally introduced at 6 months; however, dietary diversity was constrained by pastoral livelihood instability, drought, market inaccessibility and rising food prices. Gendered household dynamics shaped resource control and caregiving responsibilities, with women bearing primary responsibility for childcare, feeding and hygiene. Clan-based social networks provided support during hardship but also reinforced some traditional feeding practices. Conclusions IYCF practices in pastoralist Afar are shaped by cultural norms, gender relations and structural constraints, including livelihood insecurity and limited service access. Interventions should integrate culturally responsive community engagement with gender-sensitive and livelihood-informed nutrition strategies.