Abstract

The objective of this synthetic study of the existing data is to make the current situation of the various practices of feeding to determine their evolution in Niger with the aim of a better improvement of the infant food. It is based on the exploitation of available documents, including reports of nutrition surveys, demographic and health, the annual reports of vulnerability and the results of other nutritional researches. The exploitation of these data reveals that generally, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeedingnonexclusive, and complementary feeding constitute the childhood bulk supply lines inthe world in general and particularly in Niger. In Niger, the national rate of exclusive breastfeeding is experiencing a significant step forward from 2006 (2.4%) and 2009(9.9%). The non-exclusive breastfeeding rate is declining: 95% in 2006 and 51% in 2009.As for the supplementary feeding using widely cereals (millet, sorghum and cowpeas),the analysis reveals that it is early in children from 0 to 6 months (age median is of 9.7 months) but with a positive trend regarding the recommendations for infant nutrition:20.6% in 2006 against 15.1 in 2009. However, this practice decreases among children from 6 to 9 months. These inadequate infant feeding practices contribute to thedeterioration of the nutritional status of children and infant mortality since more than a decade in Niger. So, a very particular attention is to be concerned with these practices of feeding and finally an accent must be put on the promotion of the accessible, feasible, acceptable, long-lasting and safe local food of complement.

Key words: Niger, feeding practices, children, local food.

Abbreviation

Abbreviations: CUN, Community of Niamey; DN, department of nutrition; EDSN/MICS, demographic survey and of health and in multiple indicators; FAO, food and agriculture organisation; INS, national statistics institute; RUTF, ready to use therapeutic foods;UNICEF, united nations children’s fund; WFP, world food program; WHO, world health organization; CSB, corn soya blend; HDI, human development index.