Removing anti nutrient factors using simple cost-effective and sustainable household methods to improve nutritional status of children in communities were plant based complementary foods are the main source of Nutrients is highly recommended. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine effect of soaking complementary foods on hemoglobin, nutritional and health status of children 6-23 months in agrarian community of bale zone.

Objectives of the intervention

• To determine prevalence and associated factors of nutritional status and anemia among children aged 6-23 months in agrarian community of Bale zone
• To Explore the complementary feeding practice knowledge perception of mother with children aged 6-23 months in agrarian community of Bale zone
• To determine effect of soaking complementary foods flour on nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months in agrarian community of Bale Zone
• To determine effect of soaking complementary foods flour on hemoglobin level of children aged 6-23 months in agrarian community of Bale Zone
• To determine effect of soaking complementary foods flour on frequency of morbidity of children aged 6-23 months in agrarian community of Bale Zone

Target groups The target groups for the intervention will be mothers with their children aged 6-23 months in selected Districts of Bale zone and participated in the baseline study.

Following baseline study, the two districts were assigned to be either an intervention or comparison group randomly. While the intervention community received the Nutrition counselling on promotion of complementary flour soaking, the comparison community was monitored for presence of any other intervention that might have a potential to mask the effect of the current intervention in the target. The intervention will be carried out for a period of six months.

End-line data collection included the following major components:

• Dietary Diversity practice
• Anthropometric measurements
• Hemoglobin test

Inclusion Criteria:

• Voluntarily agreed mothers with children aged 6-23 month

  • Mothers with children aged 6-23 month who lived at least six months in the selected communities
  • Mothers who have no plan to leave the area within 6 months period

Exclusion Criteria:

• • If the child is seriously ill at the time of data collection

  • Children with severe anemia hemoglobin level <= 7mg/dl will be excluded