Agroecology-dependent microbial contamination of food and drinking water consumed by children under five years in a diarrhoea-endemic locality; the case of Karamoja sub-region, Uganda

This study investigated whether food or drinking water contamination varies with agroecology. Exactly, 240 food and 45 drinking water samples from three agroecologies were analysed for microbial load using pour plate and most probable number (MPN) technique, respectively. Chi-squared test was used to establish association between food or water handling practices and agroecology. Considering a nested design, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare microbial load among food types within or across agroecologies. One-way ANOVA was used to compare MPN among agroecologies. Means were separated using Tukey’s HSD test (p < 0.05). Proportion of food and water with Enterobacteriaceae or Escherichia coli and faecal coliform load above the recommended limit were expressed as a percentage. Food and water handling practices were associated with agroecology. Loads of microbial groups varied among agroecologies and food types. MPN varied among agroecologies. Proportion of food and water contaminated by Enterobacteriaceae or E. coli among agroecologies ranged from 65 to 95% whereas MPN varied from 73 to 93%. The study demonstrated widespread microbial contamination of food and water across Karamoja sub-region, with variation among agroecologies. Interventions to address this challenge should consider educating caregivers on good hygiene and food handling practices based on identified gaps.