TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Barriers to Iron-Biofortified Bean Consumption among Caregivers of Under-Five Children in Butezi Health District, Burundi: A Mixed-Methods Study
AUTHORS:
Munezero Belyse, Senkoro Mbazi, Kisuse Juma, Mfinanga Sayoki, Sindayikengera Sévérin, Niyukuri Jonathan
KEYWORDS:
Iron-Biofortified Beans, Childhood Anemia, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices, Mixed Methods, Burundi.
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.17 No.9,
September
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Iron deficiency is a major cause of childhood anemia in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting 71% of children under five in Ruyigi province, Burundi. Since 2015, iron-fortified beans have been promoted locally, but little is known about household awareness, attitudes, and consumption of these beans. Objective: To document caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and to identify barriers to children aged 24 - 59 months consuming iron-biofortified beans in the Butezi health district, Burundi. Methods: This community-based, mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2023. It involved a structured survey of 602 children and caregivers, as well as 66 semi-structured qualitative interviews. Results: Only 17 respondents (2.82%) reported hearing about and knowing about iron-biofortified beans. 96.01% of participants expressed a preference for beans among children, and 51.66% had consumed beans the previous day. 88.87% of household seeds came from local markets. Among those aware of biofortified beans, acceptance was high at 88.2%, primarily due to their favorable taste. Qualitative findings suggest that limited awareness and challenges in seed distribution, rather than taste preferences, are the main barriers. Conclusion: Iron-biofortified beans in Butezi remain limited, with low awareness and limited access. To improve adoption and combat childhood anemia in rural Burundi, it is recommended to bolster community nutrition education and increase the availability of certified seeds.