THE EFFECTS OF ZEZURU FOOD TABOOS ON THE HEALTH OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN ZVIMBA CLUSTER IN ZIMBABWE

Abstract

The study sought to find out the effects of food taboos on the healthy development of young children of the Zezuru tribe in Zvimba district of Zimbabwe. A case study research design was used in this research. The sample was drawn using purposive sampling from chiefs, headman, villagers, nurses and teachers. The researcher used focus group discussion, interviews and questionnaire to solicit information from the study participants. The findings of the study indicated that all the participants have some understanding of the concept food taboos. The participants have some understanding that food taboos are mainly protein foods from the animal realm. Some of the participants have knowledge on the adverse effects or impact of food taboos to the healthy development of young children. The recommendations made were that, Health workers, Educators and Non-Governmental workers should impart knowledge on the importance of protein intake for the healthy development of young children in Zezuru society. The Zvimba community should consider children’s rights first to promote their healthy development. Children from the Zezuru society should have substitute foods with first class protein to replace food tabooed to them.