Randomized community trial to assess nutritional, socioeconomic, and health outcomes of a food forest initiative in Santa Elena Province, Ecuador: a study protocol
2024

Food Forest Initiative in Ecuador: Study Protocol

Sample size: 300 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Faytong-Haro Marco, Quijano-Ruiz Alonso, Sanchez Daniel, Alvarez-Munoz Patricio, Gallegos-Caamaño Stephanie, Yambay-Delgado Victor, Checa Karina, Delgado-Rendón María José, Angulo-Prado Andrea

Primary Institution: Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondon, Ecuador

Hypothesis

Can a food forest intervention improve nutritional, socioeconomic, and health outcomes in rural communities of Ecuador?

Conclusion

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a food forest initiative in enhancing nutrition and socioeconomic conditions in rural Ecuador.

Supporting Evidence

  • Malnutrition causes ~3.1 million child deaths annually in LMICs.
  • Food forests can improve dietary quality and provide economic benefits.
  • Forest ecosystems are vital for food security in rural areas.

Takeaway

This study is trying to see if planting a food forest can help families in Ecuador eat better and earn more money.

Methodology

A randomized community trial design will be used, with one commune receiving the food forest intervention and another serving as a control group.

Potential Biases

Differences in engagement among community members may lead to biased results.

Limitations

Potential variability in participant engagement and external factors like weather may affect outcomes.

Participant Demographics

Families with an average monthly income of $463.93, predominantly with primary level education.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpubh.2024.1420310

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