A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Agricultural Livelihood Intervention to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health and Nutrition in Kenya: Mama Shamba

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · Jun 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study, called Mama Shamba, is looking at whether helping pregnant women with farming skills and supplies can improve the health and nutrition of both mothers and their babies in western Kenya. Because many families in this area struggle with food shortages, the researchers want to see if giving women things like seeds, irrigation pumps, and farming training, along with access to a model farm where they can practice and harvest vegetables, can reduce food scarcity and lead to healthier pregnancies and babies. The study will follow 410 pregnant women, including some living with HIV, from early pregnancy through the first year after their baby is born.

To take part, women need to be between 9 and 20 weeks pregnant with one baby, at least 16 years old, living in a household that often doesn’t have enough food, and have some farming experience, land, and access to water. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: one will receive the farming help right away, while the other will receive it after the study ends if they want. Throughout the study, researchers will check on the women and their babies to see if this farming support helps improve their health and well-being. This research could offer important new ways to support mothers and babies in communities facing food challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant and 9-20 weeks gestation confirmed by ultrasound
• • singleton pregnancy
• • Age ≥16 years
• • moderate-severe household food insecurity or malnutrition (mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) \<23 cm)
• • Access to land and permanent surface water
• • self-reported experience with farming
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Advanced HIV disease
• • Unable to provide written informed consent (use of an impartial witness is satisfactory if illiterate)
• • Plans to relocate outside the study area within 18 months