Mother and Child Nutrition in Afghanistan : Qualitative Exploration of Behavioral and Normative Barriers

Overview & Synopsis

Malnutrition remains a critical challenge in Afghanistan, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBW) and children under five, with millions projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2026. This diagnostic study, based on qualitative fieldwork across Kabul, Faryab, and Nangarhar, examines the behavioral, social, and contextual barriers influencing nutrition practices within households. Using an adapted UNICEF framework, the report analyzes nutrition across food procurement, preparation, and consumption stages, alongside knowledge sources, supplement use, and the role of frontline health workers (FLWs). Findings reveal that while women identify food needs, men control purchases, reflecting restricted female mobility, while economic constraints lead households to prioritize low-cost staples over nutrient-rich foods, with rural families facing additional access barriers. Gender norms strongly influence food distribution, with PBWs often eating last and least despite higher nutritional needs. Although breastfeeding is valued, practices remain inconsistent due to workloads and poor maternal nutrition, and a gap persists between knowledge and practice due to affordability and entrenched social norms. Family members, particularly mothers-in-law, are key influencers, often outweighing professional advice, while supplements are accepted but inconsistently used due to access, mobility, and skepticism; FLWs are trusted but constrained, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive, behaviorally informed, and household-inclusive interventions.