Endogenous Knowledge and Practices in Child Feeding and Nutrition in West Africa: A Review of the Field, Methods, and Perspectives

Interventions against malnutrition in West Africa integrating endogenous knowledge and practices are recognized as innovative and effective solutions.Given the persistence of child malnutrition, documenting this knowledge and practices would provide a strong basis for developing and implementing interventions.This systematic review aims to provide an overview of endogenous knowledge and practices in child feeding and nutrition among mothers in West Africa.Articles published between January 2014 and February 2025 were collected in AGORA, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases.The selection was based on many criteria, such as "articles focusing on endogenous knowledge and practices".Studies' risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and the data were synthesized through thematic content analysis.Out of 680 collected, six articles were retained and were essentially cross-sectional ethnographic studies.Five topics were addressed for both knowledge and practices: breastfeeding, complementary feeding, health, hygiene, and care.Breastfeeding practices were characterized by the intake of galactagogue foods or herbal teas.For complementary feeding practices, the age of food introduction was documented.In addition, the age and methods of breastfeeding cessation were described.Regarding health, mothers' knowledge of malnutrition and associated diseases as well as the herbal teas used for treatment was reported.In terms of hygiene and child care practices, drinking water treatment and skin care of newborns were documented.These results demonstrate the existence of a large heritage in terms of endogenous knowledge and practices.In order to guide the design of more appropriate projects, research should advance in evaluating the effectiveness of existing practices, particularly those concerning herbal teas.