SEMINAR - Socio-ecological study of Child Growth in Rural East Timor

A decade following national independence, East Timor (Timor-Leste) is making progress in reducing its high infant and child mortality rates. However, approximately 45 percent of Timorese children under the age of 5 years are underweight for their age and 58 percent are stunted. Poor nutrition, food insecurity, and limited access to health services are contributing factors, to name a few. Our research takes an inter-disciplinary approach to examine how family resources, household structure, and social dynamics contribute to child survival and growth in the countrys rural districts. In this seminar, we discuss preliminary findings from field research undertaken in Natabora, Manatuto District in September 2012 a culturally complex and land-rich part of the country. We compare childrens growth in Natabora to international growth standards, and to the growth of children in mountainous Ossu, Viqueque District. More broadly, we will promote the value of inter-disciplinary approaches to the study of child growth in developing countries.