Malnutrition and Its Impact on Economic Development in Rwanda: Case Study of Mushonyi Sector in Western Province of Rwanda

Kalulu Ronald, Ingabire Stella, Twagirayezu Jean Pierre, and Manimfashe Bonheur
Department of Tourism and Hospitality
University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies, Rwanda
Email: kaluluronald@gmail.com

Abstract: The study focused on malnutrition and its impact on economic development in Rwanda using a case study of Mushonyi sector in Western Province in Rwanda. The study used both qualitative and quantitative designs with total population being 1500 as per sector population records in 2020. Sample size was 375 determined by using Krejcie and Morgan table (1970). Stratified, clustered, purposive and convenience sampling technique were used. The causes of malnutrition prevalent in the sector were found to be poverty, social exclusion, injustice, political exclusion and imbalances in power, unhealthy eating habits, low level of health education, lack of balanced diets among others. Malnutrition impact on the social livelihoods, and economic development as it increases health care costs, deepens poverty, increases child mortality and those children who are malnourished have poor grades in schools. Therefore, initiation of local community nutrition education and training programs, enhancement of gardening skills, strengthening food security, access to health facilities, and community empowerment as well as frequent provision of Shishakibondo flour (balanced porridge for children) to the poor communities be support in Rwanda. Recommendation was that, a pro-equity agenda that mainstreams nutrition into food systems and health systems supported by strong financing and accountability be implemented by governments, businesses and civil society and that they must step up efforts to address malnutrition in all its forms by tackling injustices in food and health systems by providing health education, supporting community development projects like livestock and agricultural projects so that they become able to get nutritious food.