| Abstract | Introduction: Appropriate complementary feeding from 6–23 months is essential for child growth and development, yet dietary diversity remains inadequate in many resource-constrained settings. Understanding contextual influences on feeding practices is important for improving child nutrition. Objective: This study examined qualitative evidence to identify dietary patterns and factors shaping complementary feeding among children aged 6–23 months in Chinyunyu, Rufunsa District, Zambia. Methods: This Framework Analysis applied Gale et al. (2013) and the WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding framework to interpret qualitative data. The study was conducted in drought-prone Chinyunyu Ward, Rufunsa District, Zambia. Participants included 24 women aged 18–49 years with a child under two years and seven mothers-in-law who participated in Photovoice and focus group discussions, alongside three husbands and four community leaders who participated in in-depth interviews. Results: Caregivers generally described awareness of recommended feeding practices; however, poverty, limited maternal decision-making power, and heavy workloads were perceived to constrain adherence. Diets cited were dominated by cereal-based porridges prepared with groundnuts, sugar, or salt. Groundnuts were reported as the main protein source, and reliance on them may have limited dietary diversity. Furthermore, increasing dependence on commercial foods was also perceived to undermine optimal complementary feeding. Conclusions: Despite awareness of recommended feeding practices, poverty, gendered resource control, and heavy workloads were reported to constrain adherence to WHO recommendations. Empowering women, improving livelihoods, and promoting affordable dietary diversity, including legumes beyond groundnuts, may strengthen complementary feeding and child nutrition. |
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