Fish Consumption Patterns and Contribution of Fish to Diets of Rural Households in a Fishing Region in Zambia.

Fish provides high-quality proteins and essential micronutrients, which can help reduce undernutrition. However, little is known about fish consumption patterns and its contribution to rural household diets. This study aims to assess fish consumption patterns and the contribution of fish to rural household diets in the Luwingu district of Zambia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 132 households selected using a multi-stage sampling method from a fishing area in Luwingu district. Data were collected on women of reproductive age (15-49 years), children (6-59 months), and men (18-64 years) in the selected households. The households were surveyed using a 24-hour dietary recall and a 7-day dietary recall for the consumption of animal-source foods.
A 24-hour dietary recall and a 7-day dietary recall showed that fish was the most consumed animal-source food, with 75.8% and 100% of households consuming fish, respectively. In children under five years of age, the average quantities of fish consumed per day were 60.4 ± 35.2 g (6-12 months), 73.8 ± 51.0 g (13-36 months), and 87.9 ± 45.7 g (37-59 months). Women and men had mean daily intakes of 162.1 ± 86.0 g and 176.3 ± 70.0 g of fish, respectively.
A significant difference in protein intake (p = 0.042) was observed among children. In adults, differences in intake were noted in proteins (p = 0.028) and iron (p = 0.008). Compared to other foods, fish contributed more to protein and calcium intake in children, women, and men, while it contributed less to iron and vitamin A intake across all sub-categories of study participants' diets.
The results of this study demonstrate that fish play a critical role in the household diets of Luwingu district. It can be used as a strategy to improve food and nutrition security, ultimately contributing to the reduction of undernutrition.

Fish, nutrient intake, food consumption

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