DOI: 10.7910/dvn/eja9bb
title: Agroecological Performance and Dietary Diversity Dataset: Household-Level Insights Using the TAPE (Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation) Framework and Qualitative 24hr Dietary Recall in Vihiga, Kenya (2023)

description: This dataset originates from a study conducted in September 2023 to assess agroecological performance and dietary diversity among farming households in Kenya. The research employed the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) - 2022 VERSION, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), alongside a qualitative 24-hour dietary recall designed by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. 
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The study aimed to characterize agroecological transitions, analyze farm-level biodiversity, and understand household food consumption patterns. The dataset includes information on 239 households, selected using stratified random sampling from 14 sub-locations across five sub-counties. 
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Households were eligible if they had at least one woman aged 15–49 years. The data collection tools captured: 
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&lt;li&gt; i) Agroecological practices across ten dimensions. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt; ii)Dietary diversity and nutritional intake. &lt;/li&gt;
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The principal investigators sought to answer key research questions, including: 
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&lt;li&gt; i) To what extent are households transitioning toward agroecological farming systems? &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt; ii) How does agroecological performance correlate with dietary diversity and nutrition?&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;li&gt; iii) What factors influence household food choices, preparation, and consumption? &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt; iv) How do different farming practices impact household resilience and sustainability?&lt;/li&gt; 
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This dataset provides qualitative and quantitative insights into the links between agroecology, nutrition, and food security, offering a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners.
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Methodology: Data collection for this study was conducted in September 2023 across 14 randomly selected sub-locations in five sub-counties in Kenya. A stratified random sampling approach was used to ensure representation across the study area. 
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The sample was drawn from a farmer database provided by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, with households eligible for inclusion if they had at least one woman aged 15–49 years. A total of 240 households were initially surveyed, and after data cleaning, 239 households remained in the final dataset. Two structured tools were used for data collection: The TAPE (Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation) - 2022 VERSION to assess agroecological practices at the household level. This tool combined structured farmer interviews with enumerator observations to evaluate ten dimensions of agroecology, including biodiversity, resilience, efficiency, knowledge-sharing, and social values.
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The Alliance-developed qualitative 24-hour dietary recall, which collected detailed information on all foods and beverages consumed by household members in the previous day, capturing ingredients, sources, preparation methods, and consumption locations to provide a nuanced understanding of dietary diversity. Data was collected digitally using XLSForms and deployed on two platforms: KoBoToolBox for the TAPE survey. FormShare for the qualitative 24-hour dietary recall.
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Five enumerators underwent a four-day training and pre-testing to ensure data accuracy and reliability. Each interview lasted approximately two hours per household. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation of Kenya (NACOSTI License No: NACOSTI/P/23/28607). &lt;br&gt; 
Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. As a token of appreciation, households received small packets of sugar and tea leaves. Data processing was conducted in R software, with agroecological transition scores computed using TAPE GitHub guidelines (tape_calculator).