Understanding malnutrition and food insecurity in Binangonan, Rizal: the role of politics and gender dynamics

Abstract

[Objective:] Food insecurity and malnutrition remain significant problems in the Philippines. This descriptive study aimed to understand and critically evaluate the food and nutrition situation in a local government unit in the Philippines, specifically, Binangonan, Rizal; and the role of politics and gender dynamics in eradicating malnutrition and food insecurity. Methods: The study was conducted in three barangays in Binangonan, Rizal, with the highest prevalence of malnutrition (Darangan, Tagpos and Libis). Series of key informant interviews were conducted on selected officials of the Department of Agriculture, National Nutrition Council, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer of Binangonan, and Barangay Health Officers to determine the food and nutrition situation as well as programs implemented in the area for the past 14 years. Validated questionnaire was distributed to all parents of undernourished children in the top 3 barangays to determine the sociodemographic background, dietary habits and patters, as well as food and nutrition program awareness. Series of semi-structured interviews with the selected Barangay Nutrition Scholars, community leaders and parents of undernourished children were conducted next, followed by the GOPP and focus group discussion. Data gathered from the key informant and semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results of the GOPP were compared with the UNICEF's Framework of Malnutrition and current food and nutrition programs for evaluation. Data Source Triangulation was also used to validate and analyzed the data that were gathered since these were collected from different groups of people to gain multiple perspectives and information. Results of the descriptive analysis generated from the questionnaire were presented as percentages and frequencies. Results: Food and nutrition programs implemented in the country barely changed for over 14 years. The current study pointed out different problems that hinder the success of these programs in eradicating malnutrition and food insecurity particularly in Binangonan, Rizal. These include low response rate due to inadequate nutrition education, lack of commitment from both government and parents/guardians of undernourished children, not considering/perceiving food insecurity and malnutrition as national problems hence not a priority in terms of budget allocation, no strict execution of protocols especially in implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs, no licensed nutritionist-dietitian in each barangay or at least in the municipality and province, BHW/BNS not properly trained, politics and corruption in the government which aggravate poverty, gender dynamics specifically on child-rearing practices and less programs for maternal and infant health, and unequal access to education especially for women; and most especially, unsustainable programs for it only address the immediate cause of malnutrition and not the root cause. Conclusion: Unsustainable, not-nutrition sensitive programs, politics and corruption, and gender dynamics are important contributors to the unending problem of malnutrition and food insecurity in the Philippines, specifically in Binangonan, Rizal.