Nutrition knowledge and barriers to good dietary practices among primary school children in a farming community

This article examines the nutrition practices of black African children attending farm schools and looks at what they know about nutrition. The research was part of the Farm Labour and General Health (FLAGH) project of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa. Two schools participated in the study, which involved 132 primary schoolchildren aged 8 to 16 years. A structured questionnaire revealed the children's knowledge about nutrition related issues, and focus group discussions brought to light attitudes and barriers to sound dietary practices. This study provided insight into the lives of children living on commercial farms in the North West Province. The findings provide strong support for the view that while nutrition education is important to children's development of nutrition knowledge, good dietary practices and overall nutritional status, so also are influences from the children's social, economic and psychological environment.