Morocco : food aid and nutrition education

In this report, the impact of the introduction by Catholic Relief Services of nutrition education into 250 Moroccan social education centers (SEC's) which distribute PL 480, Title II food is described. To launch this education program, a nutrition institute was established at Marrakech to train a cadre of Moroccan women in basic nutrition and health. This cadre developed a curriculum of practical lessons in nutrition, sanitation, and the treatment of childhood diseases which were presented at monthly nutrition classes held at the SEC's. Class attendance was spurred on by the prospect of obtaining Title II food. There was a significant correlation noted between increased education and improved nutrition in the children taking part in the program. Moreover, mothers enrolled in the program demonstrated a greater knowledge of proper breastfeeding practices, appropriate pregnancy and nursing diets, treatment of infant diarrhea, diseases requiring vaccination, and animal and vegetable protein sources. Management of this program was exceptional, as indicated by prompt food deliveries, an excellent record-keeping system, uniform and accurate infant weighing procedures, weekly home follow-up visits for absent or sick mothers, and monthly visits from the provincial directrices. It was learned from the program that dependence on Title II foods inhibits the potential expansion of this program and endangers its continuation; Title II programs can be used to gather data for project design; and requiring all mothers to pay to participate in the food and nutrition education program kept the individual centers self-sustaining and created a sense of responsibility for the mothers. It is recommended that Title II organizations establish cooperative relationships with relevant ministries; that methods be devised to phase out the donated food component; and that attendance be increased without diminishing the education program's impact. A 29-item French and English bibliography (1972-80), footnotes, and various other appendices are included.