Women's autonomy and its relationship to children's nutrition among the Rendille of northern Kenya.

This study explores the effect of women's autonomy on children's health. Research was conducted among the Rendille, a traditionally nomadic pastoralist population living in northern Kenya. Using data collected from 435 women and 934 of their children, we tested the hypothesis that women with higher levels of autonomy would have children with better nutrition. Results of our study indicated that while women's autonomy had no effect on younger-ages 0-35 months-children's nutrition as measured by WHZ scores, greater levels of women's autonomy were significantly associated with improved nutrition among older-ages 3-10 years-children. These results suggest that women's autonomy is an important factor in relation to children's health in some circumstances. In addition to exploring the applied aspects of our findings, we also suggest how considering the concept of women's autonomy may add to the existing literature on parental investment. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.