Sedentarization, seasonality and economic differentiation: maternal diet and health in Ariaal-Rendille communities in Northern Kenya
Date
2002
Authors
Fujita, Masako
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Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of the recent transition from nomadic pastoralism to sedentism and concomitant economic differentiation upon seasonal patterns in maternal diet, morbidity, and anthropometry made by Ariaal and Rendille peoples in northern Kenya. Results reveal clear differences between the dietary patterns of nomadic and sedentary mothers. The reduction of dietary protein, the increase in dietary energy, and the alleviation of seasonal dietary stress affected sedentary mothers' body compositions such that their body fat and protein stores fluctuated in a distinct manner each from the other. Morbidity patterns of sedentary mothers reflected neither the dietary seasonality nor the seasonal patterns of rainfall, both of which were important determinants of nomadic mothers' health statuses. The results demonstrate the importance of longitudinal research design in studying and understanding the consequences of sedentarization.