Micronutrient deficiency affects over 4.5 billion people worldwide, the majority in developing countries. Defi-
ciencies of iron (and associated anaemia) and zinc in pregnancy are associated with complications, maternal
and neonatal mortality, and developmental disorders in the foetus and growing child. We report the results of
pilot study which used an interdisciplinary approach to explore environmental and sociocultural factors influencing
the micronutrient status in the soil–plant–human transfer for pregnant subsistence farmers in two geographically
contrasting regions of Southern Malawi. It evaluated micronutrient status in soil and the staple crop and
explored the context for their transfer to pregnant women. Scientific and social science methods were used to
collect data, following full sensitisation of the communities. A total of 99 participants were recruited from
Chiradzulu (plateau) and Chikwawa (floodplain). Soil, maize and blood samples were collected, along with
food frequency and health behaviour questionnaires and anthropological observation.
Statistical analysis revealed that soil iron was significantly higher in Chiradzulu than in Chikwawa; total iron concentration
is not deemed to be deficient in either area. Soil zinc was not significantly different between areas.
Maize concentrations of iron and zinc were not significantly different between areas, and were not deficient relative
to improved cultivars. Blood iron deficiency and associated anaemia were problematic in both areas, butmore so in Chikwawa than in Chiradzulu, and zinc deficiency was similar in both areas. The study has identified a
significant difference in the blood iron status of the participants of the two communities, and has shown that this
difference is not accounted for by the staple crop maize. Socio-geographical factors appear to play a significant
role in the micronutrient health of the populations. The findings lend support to multifaceted community intervention
studies which educate communities on strategies to tackle micronutrient deficiencies.