Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that requires serious attention. By 2023, Indonesia’s stunting prevalence reached 21.5 percent. This condition is still far from the government’s target, which is 14 percent.
Stunting is often seen to inhibit children’s growth, not only in physical but also in cognitive development, which as a result can affect their quality of life as adults. Stunting commonly occurs due to malnutrition in the first 1000 days of life, from the womb until two years old.
West Sulawesi (Sulbar), especially in Majene, is one of the localities with a high prevalence of stunting. In 2022, Majene was among the regions in the country with the highest stunting prevalence rate, at 31.7 percent. This condition makes it a priority area in stunting prevention programs.
This condition is inversely related to Majene’s rich natural resources. The district is known for its abundance of local food ingredients that hold the potential to be a solution for stunting prevention. However, these foods have not been used properly.
People in Majene’s rural areas often do not provide children with adequate nutrition during this critical period. Nutritious foods such as fish and vegetables are not consumed sufficiently by children.
“Indeed, there is plenty of fish but it is not the main consumption for their children. There are many opinions about eating fish, for example, consuming fish can get you wormy and other myths,” said a Doctoral Program Student of the Faculty of Public Health Unhas, Dr dr Evawaty MKes.
As a result, intervention through the introduction of local breastfeeding complementary foods (Mp-Asi) is an important solution to overcome this problem.
To address this issue, Evawaty and her team explored various types of local foods that could serve as complementary foods to improve children’s nutrition. Their research findings in an article titled “Analysis of the Giving of Mp-Asi Through Food Based on Majene’s Local Wisdom for Stunting Prevention,” which was published in the Pharmacognosy Journal in April 2024.
Some local foods that become Mp-Asi
The research showed that Majene has an extraordinary wealth of local food, ranging from vegetables to nutrient-rich fish. This study identified several types of local food that have great potential as ingredients for complementary foods, such as moringa leaves, gedi leaves (Langngurru’), binahong leaves (Lallere’), as well as brown rice, and fish.
“Ingredients such as Lallere’, commonly known as binahong leaves contain micronutrients that are good in content. So for the essential nutritional needs, the most I found was in the fiber sources. And for the vegetable protein, we get it from there and we have tested it at Unhas,” she said.
To prevent stunting, the researchers identified highly nutritious local food ingredients and developed appropriate Mp-Asi recipes for children. This process uses food ingredients that are easily found and often consumed by the local community, such as brown rice, Moringa leaves, and fish, taking into account the geographical conditions and local culture in the two sub-districts of Pamboang and Tameroddo.
In the mountainous region of Tameroddo, brown rice is the main food ingredient. The use of brown rice in Mp-Asi recipes is important to fulfill the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers. Moringa leaves, known as the “miracle tree” due to their high nutritional content, are also integrated into it.
In the coastal region of Pamboang, fish is the main source of protein. A recipe that is often served with fish is Bau Peapi, a traditional Mandar fish soup that is rich in nutrients. This recipe is very popular because it tastes good for children and is easy for mothers to prepare.
The development of Mp-Asi recipes was done by considering simple processing methods that are easy for local communities to follow so that mothers can produce these nutritious foods at home. All recipes developed have been scientifically tested to ensure that the nutritional content is appropriate for children under two years of age.
The study also showed that the use of local food ingredients not only helps meet nutritional needs but also increases food self-sufficiency and saves costs. Based on these findings, Evawaty and her team identified several nutrient-rich local foods in Majene that could be used in Mp-Asi.
For example, brown rice contains higher levels of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and iron compared to white rice. Moringa leaves are another valuable ingredient, also known for their high nutrient content, including protein, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, essential nutrients for children’s optimal growth.
Similarly, gedi and binahong leaves contain a variety of essential nutrients and have long been utilized as vegetables by local communities. Additionally, fish, which is easily found on the coast of Majene, is also an excellent source of protein and omega-3, crucial for children’s brain development.
This combination of local ingredients results in Mp-Asi not only providing the required energy and protein but also a variety of essential micronutrients in anemia prevention and immune support.
Challenges and potential
While this study shows promising results, there are some challenges in implementation on the ground. One of the biggest challenges is cultural resistance and people’s eating habits. Many parents are reluctant to change their children’s diets because they are used to the old ways or because they are unaware of the importance of dietary variety for their children’s nutrition.
“In particular, the people in Mamuju eat fish, it’s just that the culture of parents does not feed their children fish. Because if they eat a lot of fish, they say they will get wormy, then the consumption of vegetables may be their habit, where mothers don’t want to bother. So what they do is buy vegetables from neighboring districts,” said Evawaty.
The potential for developing Mp-Asi from local foods is huge. Mp-Asi from local food in Majene can be a sustainable solution to prevent stunting in this region, with proper education and support from local government and health workers. In addition, the utilization of local food ingredients also supports the sustainability of local food systems, increases community food independence, and reduces dependence on imported food.
By utilizing the wealth of natural resources available, such as moringa leaves, gedi leaves, brown rice, and fish, the people of Majene have great potential to provide adequate nutrition for their children through local food-based Mp-Asi.
In addition to the nutritional benefits, the utilization of local foods in complementary feeding is also more affordable and accessible to local communities, making it a sustainable and relevant solution for regions like Majene.
However, the success of this program requires consistent education and close collaboration between various parties, including the government, health institutions, and local communities.
Thus, local food-based complementary feeding (Mp-Asi) is expected to be an effective and sustainable strategy to reduce the prevalence of stunting, not only in Majene but also in other regions facing similar problems. If this program is adopted more widely, future generations can grow healthier and stronger, bringing Indonesia to a better future in terms of children’s health and nutrition.
Read the original text in Bahasa Indonesia
Original Writer: Wahyu Alim Syah
Translated by: Najwa Hanana
