Research Report: Effect of Hot Climate on the Dietary Practices of Breastfeeding Mothers and the Health Outcomes on Their Breastfed Children

Researcher: Gabriel Adewale Olarewaju

Research Mentor: Grace Obasuyi

This study examines how hot climate conditions in Niger State, Nigeria, affect the dietary practices of breastfeeding mothers and resulting infant health outcomes. Using a mixed-methods design with 200 breastfeeding mother–child pairs, alongside interviews with health workers, community leaders, and fathers, the research finds that heat-related factors are significantly associated with reduced maternal intake of fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods. These dietary changes were linked to poorer infant weight gain and greater vulnerability to infection. Climate-induced food insecurity, economic constraints, and sociocultural practices were identified as key drivers, with the resulting nutritional deficits possibly weakening community-level immunity. The findings point to the need for climate-sensitive nutrition programming, improved food storage infrastructure, and greater engagement of fathers and communities in supporting maternal and infant nutrition.

Keywords: breastfeeding; maternal nutrition; heat exposure; infant health; climate-sensitive programming; Nigeria; food insecurity; child nutrition