Terms of Reference: Nutrition Ethnographic Study Isiolo and Marsabit 124 views0 applications

Project Background: The Kenyan Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) maintain high rates of acute malnutrition despite significant investment by stakeholders for both programming and research. From 2009 to 2016, they were at or above Integrated Phase Classification (IPC )Phase 3+ between 5 and 15 times, triggering humanitarian responses that addressed acute malnutrition in the short term. The counties regularly experience prevalence rates of acute malnutrition that exceed emergency threshold levels, even when there are no obvious climate shocks. In response to these persistent and high levels of acute malnutrition, USAID recently launched the NAWIRI program, a five-year evidence-based nutrition initiative which is being led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Isiolo and Marsabit counties. The project aims to increase stakeholder understanding of the drivers of persistent acute malnutrition, through a collaborative learning process involving local actors including communities, county systems and institutions, civil society and the private sector. The learning will be used to jointly design context-sensitive, systems-driven, multi-sectoral approaches to sustainably reduce acute malnutrition. This process will involve the implementation and testing of pilot activities that show potential in addressing acute malnutrition in concert with a number of research activities designed to inform the design of a second phase of the project. One of the key research activities in phase 1 is a participatory epidemiology (PE) study designed to better understand the seasonality and basic drivers of malnutrition from the community perspective. This process will be used to identify community-based interventions to address acute malnutrition in the context of the two counties.

Purpose/Justification

This activity will be used to inform the design of the PE study and contribute to the first stage of the analysis. The proposed Ethnographic approach will be used to understand the language used by local communities to describe seasons and months; malnutrition in children, adolescents and adults; different types of health, sickness and wellbeing; and women’s views on diets and the causes of malnutrition in children and mothers. The objectives of this exercise will be to gain insights into participants general awareness and understanding of malnutrition and related issues, and how they described the causes of malnutrition in children, adolescents and adults. Central to the approach is understanding local language and concepts, and the extent to which specific words or phrases are used in relation to malnutrition and why. It is anticipated that this will produce useful information in its own right, but also guide the design of PE methods by ensuring that relevant and appropriate language is used with the methods, and that some potential non-sampling errors are avoided. The activity was originally planned to involve consultations with key informants and community participants. However, due to the COVID19 movement restrictions we are now proposing to carry out this exercise remotely to save time once the movement restrictions are lifted. However, the results will be ground truthed in the field during the actual PE study.

Activity Description

This activity will involve the identifying and documenting local names for the following:

· Months and seasons

· Language around mother and child nutrition

· Language around different types of malnutrition (and common diseases)

· Terminology for different ages in children (e.g. weaned, unweaned etc.)

An important aspect of this study will be to identify locally used terms and avoid using western terminology such as stunting, wasting, food insecurity etc. to the extent possible. More details on the approach and types of anticipated results can be seen in (Catley et al, 2018), a similar study from the Karamoja region in Uganda.

https://karamojaresilience.org/publications?task=callelement&format=raw&…

Data Collection and Analysis Methods

The study will initially identify and document terms in Afan Oromo (Boran) this being the most widespread language spoken in the two counties as well as Gabra (which is similar to Boran) and Rendille. The results will later be used as a reference point for expanding the ethnography into other local languages. The study will include a rapid review of existing literature, and telephone/skype conversations with key informants from the two counties. At least fifty percent of the key informant sample will be women. Validation of the results will be done by email with the same group of key informants.

Deliverables

A set of tables as follows:

· Local names/descriptions of different seasons and months, and how they correspond with the seasons and months of the western calendar. **

· Local names/descriptions of children of different ages, by gender including geographical differences

· Local names/descriptions of mothers at different stages of pregnancy, at birth and stages of lactation

· Local names/descriptions around child size and growth e.g. for children viewed as small, weak or malnourished vs. those who are viewed as healthy

· Local names/descriptions for malnutrition in children, and different types of forms of malnutrition (if recognized); the local language for the symptoms and signs of malnutrition in children, for each type of malnutrition; local views on the causes of these different types of malnutrition**

· Local names/descriptions for malnutrition in mothers (during and after pregnancy) and different types of forms of malnutrition (if recognized); the local language for the symptoms and signs of malnutrition in mothers, for each type of malnutrition; local views on the causes of these different types of malnutrition**

· A list of people interviewed including, name, contacts (email and phone) and job title.

Where relevant, each table will be supported by narrative descriptions further explaining or elaborating on the content of the tables. Examples of the tables and types of information to be collected can be seen in Annex I.

Timeline

The consultancy will involve 20 working days between June to July 2020

1. Reporting

The Consultant will work under the overall guidance of the NAWIRI research and Design Lead and the Principle Investigator

Consultancy fees

The honorarium and other payments will be indicated in the contract. Skills and other requirements of the consultant

Education: Advanced University degree (PhD) in Anthropology or social sciences.

Work Experience: A minimum of 15 years progressively responsible experience in field research in a development context.

Skills and Expertise: The candidate should have:

· Fluency in Afan Oromo (Boran) – essential

· Knowledge of Rendille or contacts from Rendille speaking areas

· Preference will be given to candidates originally from Isiolo or Marsabit counties

· Demonstrated expertise on the socio economics of pastoralist livelihoods

· Extensive research experience in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS)

· A network of verifiable key informants in Isiolo and or Marsabit

The following criteria will be used for the selection of candidates:

Academic qualifications 15 Points

Candidate is from Isiolo or Marsabit 15 Points

Demonstrated understanding/experience of pastoralist livelihoods 30 points

Relevant research experience in the Kenyan ASALS 30 points

Daily fee (value for money) 10 points

Short listed candidates may be asked to provide a list of verifiable contacts who will be used as key informants from the selected counties

References:

Catley, A., Lotira, R. and Hopkins, C., 2018. Hidden Peaks: Women’s knowledge on the seasonality and root causes of child malnutrition in Karamoja, Uganda, and their programming preferences. Karamoja Resilience Support Unit, USAID/Uganda, UK aid, and Irish Aid, Kampala.

Annex I**

Table 1. Language for children and adults by age and gender

Description

Moroto District

Kaabong District

Kotido District

Amudat District

Girl

(0-59 months)

Akaeon

Ipethe, ngakipi, itokeng

Nyipethe, nyinaas (nurse)

Newborn (0-2 weeks):

Nyarkil (titike)

2 weeks-5 years:

Tengan

Girl

(5 years and above)

Apese

Ipethe

Nyapethe

5 years-11 years:

Chepto

12-18 years:

Angirision

19-25 years:

Ateran

26-35 years:

Korka

35 years and above:

Kokonyon

Boy

(0-59 months)

0-5 months:

Ikoku, Nika ekisina, Iperomoding

6- 9 months:

Ikoku ni ageiki ekimuje

10 months-5 years:

Ikoku ngini imuji bon

0-5 months:

Muzee, idia, ithapat, apakeng, ikoku ngini eroko enaki, nyingwee

6-9 months:

Ikoku ngini imuji tanaki, aburianiki, aliya

10 months-5 years: Ikoku ni imuji bon; itagae; arotoki

0-59 months: Nyethapat; idokto (doctor)

Newborn (0-2 weeks):

Nyarkil (kokwe)

2 weeks- 5 years: Tengan

Boy

(5 years and above)

Isapat

Idia

Nyethapat

5-11 years:

Chumum

12–18 years:

Karachinin

19-35 years:

Mron

35 years and above: Poy

Table 2. Language for child size and growth

Description

Moroto District

Kaabong District

Kotido District

Amudat District

Child is growing well

Ikoku ni elosi akwan ejok

Ikoku ngini etumit; ikoku ngini engale jik

Ikoku ngini ejok akwan; ngini ulap; ngini ulak

moning nyo karamach kisen

Retarded body growth, but feeding well

Ikoku nipe nyepoloe ejok kimuji ejok (tobong akwan kahu)

Ikoku ngini korod

Ikoku ngini egogong ngakoyo

Moning nyo nghach kisen

Feeding well but slim (due to parent’s genetics)

Ediim akwan

Ekotor

Ikoku ngini diim; ngini kurab akwan

Mningporion

Strong (due to parent’s genetics)

Ebutur

Etumit

Ikoku ngini angikup; Ikoku ngini anginerin

Lenyo por nyopo kame (like mother);

Lenyo por nyopo paponyi (like father)**

Child with stunted growth

Ikoku nithirij akwan (before 5 years) Ikabuut/iteenge (after 5 years)**

Nyakibobwang; nyabuth angitunga; nyikaliwoliwot; ikoku niwuriyen; ikoku nibabwi; tukulung; ikoku nitekeny; ikoku niketer; eonit kiu

Ikoku ngini babui; ngini gonge; ngini kurab angakoyo; ngini itiitii; ngini euruana

Moning nyole Konjirion (moning nyo moyetunye)

Underweight child

Ikoku ni edoun eroko ngirwa

Kutete; Ikoku ni eridarit atokeng; ikoku ngini ilongulongunitae

Child born with physical deformities

Emunaara

Engwalit

Table 3. Language for children with different health conditions, and different causes of malnutrition

Description

Moroto District

Kaabong District

Kotido District

Amudat District

A healthy child from birth to 5 years

Ikoku ni epolouni ka ngatameta keng ejoak; Ikoku ni emam eter ngolo etapit; Ikoku ni emam ngatiokisio na etapito

Ikoku ni eyerit;

Ikoku ni etumit

Ikoku ngini enaikinit; Ikoku ngini etumit; Ikoku ngini emam nyichanchani akwan

Moning nyo kinar portanyi nyo karam

Unhealthy child – born healthy but becomes unhealthy later

Ikoku ngini edeakana; Ikoku ngini kichiongakin akwan alongaren; Ikoku ni etukuruwo edeke ekimuje

Ikoku ngini ekara; ikoku ngini kadekan; ekara; ajaka edeke; aditawu ikoku

Ikoku ngini adekan; Ikoku ngini kekaran; Ikoku ngini epeaka ngaakot

Kachangul moning

Boy: Kachangul weri

Girl: Kachangul chepu

Before weaning*: Kachangul nyarkiliani*

At weaning:

Kachangul tenganani

After weaning: Kachangul toyontoni

Malnourished due to poor diet

Ikoku nika erogo/Ikoku ni angopiki akimuj naajokon imuji

Ikoku ngini imuji apei kimuj

Kekar moningu ompo chopoto omosio nyo karam

Malnourished due to food insufficiency

Akoro; ikoku ngini ekadit akimuj

Ikoku ngini imuji apei kimuj

Kekar moningu ompowolo kirorchi omisio

Malnourished due to disease

Ikoku ni amunaaya loitakel

Stage 1 of being unhealthy: Ikoku ni adekakin

Stage 2 of being unhealthy: Ikoku ni echwangakin akwan

Stage 3 of being unhealthy: Ikoku ni amunaiar

Ikoku ngini ethikar edeke

Stage 1 of being unhealthy:

Ekara

Stage 2 of being unhealthy:

Ikadekan

Stage 3 of being unhealthy:

Abothia

Ikoku ngini ka edeke

Stage 1 of being unhealthy: Ikoku ngini adekan

Stage 2 of being unhealthy: Ikoku ngini ebelok edeke

Stage 3 of being unhealthy: Ikoku ngini ekarun (given up on the child)

Kilit moning somewo nganyona kekar

Stage 1 of being unhealthy: Ksate moning

Stage 2 of being unhealthy: Chirate moning

Stage 3 of being unhealthy:

Meghan moning

Malnourished due to non-spaced pregnancies

Ikoku nika eeter

Tutukan/Itungi

Ikoku ngini a nyeneto

Kekar moningu ompowolo kakitengan kmining

Malnourished due to poor quality of breast milk

Ikoku ni epeaka ngakile atotokeng

epeaka ngakile aitoke

Ikoku ngini epeaka atokeng ngakile angikithin

Kekar moningu ompowolo mesnye chepo kame

Malnourished due to inadequate breast milk

Ikoku ni ekadito ngakile angisikin

Ekadito ngakile atotokeng

Ngini euchuriana atokeng

Kekar moningu ompowolo mtir kame

Malnourished due to poor relationship between father and mother

Ni angichan; ni achaka apakeng

Kekar moningu ompowolo mominye kalya kongwa

Table 4. Local names for mothers at different stages of pregnancy, at birth, different stages of lactation

Description

Moroto District

Kaabong District

Kotido District

Amudat District

At different stages of pregnancy

2 weeks to 3 months

Aberu na eweiyarit

Irumiyarit; epotiyorit; ekama akook

Aberu ngina irumiarit

Pununon

4-6 months

Aberu na awua ngaakot

Atakanu akook; apotiyo

Aberu ngina epoti

Komiir

7-9 months

Aguothu/ aberu na adol akidoun

Agothu akook

Aberu ngina adou

Konikisit

At birth

Has just given birth

Aberu na alek

Alek; engarakin

Yoo nyo kolusio

Still in the house – up to 1 to 2 weeks

Aberu na erongo nyipuduno kinga

Eyei kai; imanyurit

Kama moning

Umbilical cord of the baby not yet cut

Aberu na erongo nyedengoro

Out of the house- after 1 to 2 weeks

Aberu ngina epudun kinga/aberu ngina elotun

Apudu alokai

Kama moning nyo kolitu sany

At different stages of lactation

0-9 months (sometimes up to 2 years)

Aberu ngina itanaki

Itanaki

Aberu ngina manangit; ngina ketanakan

Mosowon

9 months- 2 years (may not be breastfeeding anymore)

Aberu ngina apeto

Apeto

Aberu ngina apeto

Yoo nyo kopustegho moning kitin

Breastfeeding beyond 2 years

Aberu ngina kori; ngina ewoyakinit

Olion

Table 5. Local names for pregnant mothers with different health conditions and different causes of malnutrition

Description

Moroto District

Kaabong District

Kotido District

Amudat District

Healthy pregnant women due to good diet

Aberu na epoti tangalee; Aberu na epoti kimuji ejok

Aberu ngina epoti totumite; na eyarit noi; engale akekwaan; kejoiki apot

Aberu ngini ebene akekwan

Yoo nyo narate (Nakunate); Yoo nyo miroi akwomisiyi nyokaram

Healthy due to lack of disease

Aberu ngina epoti tamam edeke

Yoo nyo miroi akitirus ametingnye someu

Malnourished/weak due to lack of appetite

Aberu na itengerioritae ekimuje/ aberu na itengeriorit apot kori ngaakot aikoku ekimuje

Imakuwat; ekara; edwarikinit

Aberu ngina edwarikinit apoti; ngina inuikinit

Yoo nyo miroi aki karate (Changulan); Yoo nyo kekar ompowolo kasas muu omisio aki pununo

Malnourished/weak due to lack of appetite because of disease

Aberu na itengeriorit edeke ekimuje

Yoo nyo kekar ompowolo nyo kasas muu omisio ompo kosotio

Malnourished/weak due to food shortage

Aberu na engopikinit akimuj

Ekadit akimuj

Yoo nyo miroi nyo kekar ompowolo chopoi omisio

Malnourished/weak due to disease

Aberu na epoti todeaka

Edeak

Yoo nyo miroi nyo kekar ompo someu

Table 6. Local names for months

English name

Local name version 1 Ngikarimojong

Local name version 2 Ngikarimojong

Local name Pokot

January

*Lokwang***

*Lokwang***

Muu

February

*Lodunge***

*Lodunge***

Tirtir

March

*Lomaruk***

*Lomaruk***

Popokugho

April

Titima

Lochoto

Rikisa

May

Yeliyel

Titima

Porowo

June

Lomodokogech

Yeliyel

Melwon

July

Losuban

Lomodokogech

Sikuku

August

Lotiak

Lopoo

Mikeyon

September

Lolobai

Losuban

Tapach

October

Lopoo

Lotiak

Kipsich

November

*Lorara***

*Lorara***

Kokelian

December

*Lomuk***

*Lomuk***

Kweghe