Mitigating impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on child nutrition among tribal, high migration communities of South Rajasthan

Rural communities in southern Rajasthan comprise of high proportion of tribal populations living in scattered and poorly accessible habitations. The population lives in abject poverty and sees large-scale male migration to cities in Gujarat, Maharashtra and other states. In their absence the entire household responsibility passes on to women and in dealing with the multiple chores- farming, tending to livestock, getting firewood and cooking, childcare is often severely compromised. Young children are left in the care of older siblings, grandparents, or at times even by themselves.  

Diets in the region comprise of mainly cereals with very small amounts of pulses, vegetables, oils or foods of animal origin. All these factors contribute to high levels of malnutrition among children- a study we conducted in the region has shown that 33% children under 3 are wasted with 9% being severely wasted; as many as 55% of their mothers are also undernourished (P Mohan, EPW, 2016).

BHS runs day-care centres called the phulwaris (meaning a bed of flowers) for young children, which provide a nurturing environment, nutritious food, and engagement and play for cognitive development. Currently, 13 phulwaris operate in very remote and entirely tribal communities in southern Rajasthan providing care and nutrition to nearly 400 children under 5. The value and impact of the phulwaris is very clearly seen with enrolled children showing significant improvement in their nutritional status and clearly seem more alert and playful. The centres have also helped draw attention of the community to childcare and nutrition, and promote linkages with AMRIT Clinics, primary healthcare facilities operating close to the phulwaris. 

Before the phulwari had started in our village, I would leave my children at home and go to the field. I would be worried about their safety and would keep coming back to check on them. Since the phulwari has started, I am able to leave them comfortably knowing that they are getting good care. The phulwari has also helped me work in NREGA for many days. 

 - Mother of 2 children coming to Sadawat fala phulwari 

The phulwaris are playing an important role in supporting nutrition of young children in remote, tribal communities in southern Rajasthan. The COVID pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have led to loss of livelihoods, shrinking of wages, and a steep decline in food availability. We are seeing its’ impact in terms of worsening levels of childhood malnutrition. In view of the overall situation of the economy, we are preparing for a prolonged decline in food availability and also continuing high levels of malnutrition. 

The value of the phulwaris in the pandemic times is more than ever before. We have now expanded the coverage of the phulwaris to include all children under-5 (covering about 400 children) in their catchment area. We have also resumed the monthly weighing and nutrition education sessions for all children in the neighborhood of the phulwaris, and are now reaching nearly 1000 young children from very poor families. Additionally, the phulwaris have played a role in promoting kitchen gardens and poultry in the hamlets.