In Benin, malnutrition and misinformed views contribute to widespread stunting in children

In Benin, stunting among children under five is a significant issue, affecting more than 30% of the population. This condition, characterized by impaired growth and lower than average height for age due to malnutrition, is a result of poor diets and lack of knowledge about nutrition. Despite abundant natural resources and subsistence agriculture, stunting remains prevalent in the country.

Sabi Bera Zakari, a farmer, didn't seem to care much about his children's height, only occasionally wishing they could gain more weight. However, his wife, Aboudou Salamatou, and development sociologist Boris Gloni disagreed, with Gloni believing that two of the family's young daughters suffered from stunted growth. Gloni, a former representative of The Hunger Project, has been trying to convince men like Zakari that stunting is a widespread issue that needs to be addressed by families first and foremost.

The lack of knowledge about nutrition and poor diets, exacerbated by drought, contribute to the high prevalence of stunting in Benin. Beninese authorities aim to bring the prevalence of stunting below 30% by 2030. However, stunting has more or less "stagnated" in northern Benin, despite efforts to reduce the rates in the region. The situation has been challenging due to many families lacking knowledge and having many mouths to feed.