Empowerment Model of Local Wisdom Values of The Lembak Tribe as an Effort to Prevent Stunting in Bengkulu City

Abstract

Stunting is a nutritional status based on height/age as measured by a child's anthropometric standards, with a Z-score of <-2 SD to -3 SD and <-3 SD categorized as short and very short, respectively. Based on the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI 2023), the prevalence of stunting in Bengkulu Province increased by 0.4%, from 19.8% to 20.2%. Culturally and locally based stunting management has been implemented in several regions in Indonesia. The incorporation of local wisdom values ​​is necessary to encourage local wisdom to complement stunting management policies from a local wisdom perspective. The study aims to determine the empowerment model of local wisdom values ​​(local wisdom) of the Lembak tribe as an effort to prevent stunting in the city of Bengkulu. The research method used mix methods, namely a research method by combining two research methods at once, qualitative and quantitative in a research activity, so that more comprehensive, valid, reliable, and objective data will be obtained. Qualitative research was conducted to identify the development of local wisdom of the Lembak tribe and analysis of the strategy for implementing local wisdom policies (local wisdom) of the Lembak tribe. Quantitative research was conducted for local wisdom interventions for mothers of toddlers (knowledge, skills) products to toddlers (anthropometry, Hb levels, protein levels) of the Lembak tribe using a questionnaire which was used as the main method to obtain data on consumptive behavior using a Likert scale, Data analysis used SWOT analysis, descriptive, bivariate (simple regression). The empowerment process, through nutrition education, innovative complementary feeding recipes, training for cadres and mothers of toddlers, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, has been shown to improve nutritional knowledge, the variety of nutritious local foods, and the nutritional status of toddlers.