Economic and nutritional importance of small animal production in central Ethiopia

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The role of agricultural production has been debated in development literature regarding its impact on food consumption patterns and nutritional well-being. However, the significance of livestock, particularly small animals like chickens, sheep, and goats, in enhancing food security and addressing child malnutrition has been largely overlooked. This study investigates small animal production's influence on household income, expenditure, and consumption of animal-source foods. It also assesses the relationship between small animal production and the nutritional status of children and their mothers. Additionally, it evaluates various household and community characteristics that significantly affect income, expenditure, and children's nutritional status in central Ethiopia. Utilizing a longitudinal cohort study design, the research captures income and expenditure data from resource-poor rural and urban households, alongside children's nutritional status measured through anthropometric assessments starting at six months of age over one year. By exploring the role of small animal production and its contributions to income, expenditure, and nutritional well-being, this work aims to inform future intervention studies focused on small animal production and child nutrition.