Household dynamics of maternal caregiving and agricultural labour in complementary feeding practices in rural farming communities in Geita Region, Tanzania: a qualitative study
Qualitative study explores caregiving and agricultural influences on feeding practices in rural communities, suggesting new strategies.
Key Points
This research aims to investigate how household dynamics influence maternal caregiving and agricultural labor in feeding practices among mothers in rural farming communities.
Employed phenomenology study design to capture lived experiences.
Conducted seven in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with mothers of children aged 6–23 months.
Participants were purposively selected from rural farming communities in Geita, Tanzania.
Identified four household factors influencing feeding practices: maternal responsibilities, farming obligations, limited paternal involvement, and child care reliance on elder siblings.
Mothers reported fatigue from farm work impacting their ability to provide adequate care.
Fear of social judgment for being late at the farm affected daily routines.
Farming was a central theme influencing caregiving and feeding practices.