Tackling poverty through private sector microcredit programs in Ghana: Does infant and young child nutrition improve?

Low income is a barrier to optimal feeding practices of infants and young children (IYC). Microcredit programs for rural Ghanaian women aim to improve incomes and may have the additional benefit of improving IYC nutrition. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Upper Manya Krobo District in Ghana to determine the association between a mother's participation in a rural bank microcredit program and IYC dietary quality and nutritional status. Participants included 102 active microcredit member mothers and 102 non‐microcredit member mothers and their youngest child (6–23 mo). Non‐members were matched to the microcredit group by community and child age. Information was collected on IYC feeding practices, length and weight and household socio‐demographic characteristics. IYC in the microcredit group (MC) consumed more dairy products ( p < 0.01) and iron‐fortified foods ( p < 0.05) while IYC in the non‐microcredit group (NMC) consumed more legumes and nuts ( p < 0.05). Overall, more MC than NMC children (57 % vs. 43 %; p < 0.05) met minimum dietary diversity recommendations (≥ 4 food groups). Weight‐for‐age z‐scores tended to be higher among MC vs. NMC children (−0.43 ± 1.13 vs. −0.69 ± 1.03; p = 0.09). Microcredit programs may contribute to improving IYC nutrition in Ghana; longitudinal studies are needed to understand the role that this component of the private sector plays. Funding: IDRC #1045519‐017 & McGill U.