Initial Project Proposal
Section Description
Title of the Nourishing Generations: Insights into Maternal Nutrition and
Project Empowering Healthy Practices
Saarthak Tyagi
Project Synopsis Aniket Raj
Group - 8
Prepared by Arjun Kalra
Avanish Singh Bhaduriya
Date 01/01/25
Maternal nutrition is a cornerstone of both maternal and child health,
significantly influencing their well-being and future prospects. In Bihar,
the current state of maternal health is deeply concerning. The Maternal
Mortality Rate (MMR) in Bihar stands at 163 per 100,000 live births,
compared to the national average of 97 and the global average of 211.
Similarly, the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) is 29 per 1,000 live births,
higher than the national average of 241 and the global average of 182.
These elevated rates reflect the critical state of maternal and child health
in the region. Alarmingly, only 15% of pregnant women in rural Bihar
adhere to recommended dietary practices, and over 63% suffer from
Background anemia, which contributes to severe complications such as maternal
deaths and low birth weight in newborns.
The situation in Batashpur, Bodhgaya, presents significant challenges.
Poverty, deep-rooted cultural dietary habits, and limited resources restrict
access to adequate nutrition. On average, households in this region earn
between INR 6,000-8,000 monthly3 , and family sizes are typically large,
averaging 5-7 members4 . The poverty rate in these villages exceeds 30%,
worsening food insecurity and limiting dietary diversity5.
1
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-2021) - [Link]
2
World Health Statistics 2021 - [Link]
[Link]?utm_source=[Link]
3
National Statistical Office (NSO), 2019 - [Link]
4
Census of India 2011 - [Link]
5
MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY IN INDIA SINCE 2005-06 - [Link]
22_NITI-[Link]
Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya – (IIM BG)
Prabandh Vihar, Bodh Gaya, Turi Khurd, Bihar 824234
Phone Landline No – 6312200254, Fax - 43151620
Mothers in these villages consume an average of 1800-2000 kcal per day,
which falls short of the global standard of 2500 kcal. Essential nutrients
such as iron and protein are severely deficient; iron intake is well below
the recommended 27 mg/day, while protein intake lags significantly
behind the global benchmark of 75-85 g/day 6. These gaps elevate the
risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, endangering both
maternal and infant health.
This study aims to systematically examine these issues by exploring the
cultural, economic, and behavioral factors influencing maternal nutrition.
The findings will provide actionable insights to empower communities,
improve nutritional practices, and support better health outcomes for
mothers and their children.
Assess the current maternal nutrition practices in Batashpur,
Bodhgaya.
Identify gaps in knowledge and behaviors regarding maternal health
Project and nutrition.
Objectives Compare local practices with global and Indian standards for maternal
nutrition.
Provide recommendations for improving nutritional practices through
targeted interventions.
The study will focus on Batashpur village in Bodhgaya, which represents
a distinct socio-economic demographic. The majority of households are
engaged in agriculture or daily wage labor. The population of Batashpur
is approximately 8,000 individuals, with a male-to-female ratio of about
1000:910. On average, households consist of 5-7 members, with families
typically having 3 children. The poverty rate in Batashpur is estimated at
30%. The average monthly household income ranges from INR 6,000 to
Study Area 8,000. Cultural practices in Batashpur strongly influence dietary habits,
with a heavy reliance on staple foods like rice and wheat, and limited
consumption of protein-rich or diverse food groups. Despite efforts by
organizations like JEEViKA, health indicators such as Maternal Mortality
Rate (MMR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) remain significantly
higher than state and national averages. This village provides an essential
representation for understanding the challenges of maternal nutrition in
rural Bihar.
6
International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition ISSN: 2455-4898
Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya – (IIM BG)
Prabandh Vihar, Bodh Gaya, Turi Khurd, Bihar 824234
Phone Landline No – 6312200254, Fax - 43151620
Sampling: A stratified random sampling method will be employed,
selecting pregnant women, lactating mothers, and women of reproductive
age across various socio-economic strata
Data Collection:
Surveys and structured interviews for dietary patterns, knowledge,
and behaviors.
Methodology Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community health workers
and self-help groups.
Observational studies of household food preparation practices.
Data Analysis:
Quantitative analysis using statistical tools (SPSS/Excel) for survey
data.
Qualitative analysis for insights from FGDs and observational studies.
Analysis &
Outcomes (1500
Words)
Implications and
Recommendation
(500 Words)
1. Census of India, 2011
2. NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey), 2029-21
3. NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index, 2022
4. National Statistical Office (NSO), NSSO Report, 2019
5. World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Estimates, 2021
References
6. UNICEF Reports on Maternal and Child Health
7. PCI India’s JEEViKA Program Reports
8. Bihar Health Report, 2023
9. A study on maternal nutrition of pregnant women in Bihar -
International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition
Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya – (IIM BG)
Prabandh Vihar, Bodh Gaya, Turi Khurd, Bihar 824234
Phone Landline No – 6312200254, Fax - 43151620
