An assessment of the causes of malnutrition in Ethiopia: A ...

Figure 4.11: Stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence in preschoolers in Ethiopia,
by age.
Source: CSA, USAID, & ORC Macro 2001
Contrary to the common misconception, child malnutrition is most commonly a
reflection of poor caring practices, not a shortage in food supply. Trends of childhood
malnutrition indicate that even though the rate of malnutrition seems to have decreased
minimally in 2000 from what it was in 1992, it is still the highest rate in sub-Sahara Africa.
(Ethiopian PROFILES Team & AED/Linkages 2005) Regardless of small variations from
year to year, the high prevalence of stunting in under five children is an indicator not only of
chronic food insecurity but also of the prevalence of poor caring practices (Figure 4.12).
The fact that caring practices are poor in the country is reflected by Figure 4.13.
Stunting is higher in the regions that are more fertile and productive as compared to the
drought prone and less-productive regions. For example, the highest rate of stunting was seen
in the Amhara region (57 percent) followed by SNNP (55 percent), Tigray (55 percent), and
Oromia (47 percent). Stunting is an indicator of chronic malnutrition rather than acute food
shortages, a factor of which is poor caring practices in the community. This indicates that
Figure 4.12: Trends in malnutrition in under-fives in Ethiopia, 1982-2000
70
60
50
Stunting
Wasting
Underweight
percent
40
30
20
10
0
1982 1992 2000
102