Nutrient Contribution and Acceptability of Dried Small Indigenous Fish Powders for Complementary Feeding in Northern...

Child malnutrition remains a major public health concern in northern Cameroon, where limited access to animal-source foods contributes to persistent undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. This study investigated the nutritional composition of small indigenous fish species, documented household knowledge and consumption practices, and evaluated the acceptability of a small-fish-based complementary food. A mixed-methods design was implemented across six localities in the North and Far North regions, combining household surveys (n = 639), qualitative interviews with actors in the fish value chain, nutrient analyses of 19 fish samples, and an acceptability test among children aged 6-23 months (n = 104). Dried small fish showed high nutrient density, with 50.3-64.1 g protein, 11.2-16.7 g fat, and up to 1412 mg calcium per 100 g. A 10 g portion contributed 40%-50% of daily protein needs and up to one-third of calcium requirements for young children. Despite widespread household consumption (92.5%), only 24.6% incorporated small fish into children's meals, reflecting gaps in caregiver knowledge of complementary feeding. The standardized fish powder was well accepted, with mean of hedonic scores of 5.8 ± 1.2 for taste, 5.6 ± 1.3 for odor, and 5.7 ± 1.1 for overall appreciation (p < 0.05 compared with the neutral midpoint of 4.0). Caregivers reported ease of incorporation into common child foods, indicating strong feasibility for household use. These findings demonstrate that small indigenous fish are nutrient-dense, culturally acceptable, and feasible to integrate into complementary feeding. Given the observational nature of the study, conclusions remain cautious. Future research should assess long-term nutritional impacts, evaluate product stability and safety under household storage, and explore scalable models for community-based production.