Abstract

A cross sectional design using a three-consecutive day 24 h diet recalls survey was adopted using interview schedules to estimate the nutrient consumption in 60 households of which 30 households were beneficiary and 30 were non-beneficiary households of a dairy development project in Vihiga, Kenya. Variation was observed in the consumption of meat and meat products, cereals and vegetables between days for households. Variation in the consumption of meat and meat products cereals, vegetables, and, milk and milk products between days for women was observed. Variations in nutrient intake were significant between days for energy, protein, calcium, thiamine and niacin in households and by women. Variations between households and between days with regard to food and nutrient intake observed indicate that a one-day twenty-four-hour diet recall method may not bring out the true pattern of food and nutrient intake of households and individuals.  The twenty-four-hour recall diet survey method conducted for a period of days could show food and nutrient consumption pattern clearly from which average requirements for the population can be derived. 

Key words: Dairy, beneficiary, non-beneficiary, nutrient consumption, Vihiga, Kenya.