Human growth in southern Zambia: a first study of Tonga children predating the Kariba dam (1957–1958)

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Abstract
During the late 1950s the Kariba hydro‐electric dam was constructed on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe forcing the relocation of 57,000 people, mainly Tonga. As part of a larger study to assess the effects of the relocation, research into the human biology of the Tonga people was conducted. The research reported here provides a basis for comparison with long‐term follow‐up data on growth and physical status of Gwembe Tonga to determine the effects of resettlement. The sample consists of 303 schoolchildren, 7 to 13 years, from two schools that were not relocated and three schools that were to be relocated. Homogeneity of the two groups led us to combine them as a single baseline sample before relocation. Comparisons with NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics) reference data and with contemporary urban data from southern Zambia indicate sub‐optimal nutritional status. After ages 6 and 7, height‐for‐age and weight‐for‐age Z‐scores of boys decline steadily towards −2.0 SD throughout the 12th year, whereas mean Z‐scores of girls decline markedly from 8 years on. Mean HAZ (Height‐for‐age‐Z‐score) of girls falls below −2.0 SD by 11 years and approaches −3.0 SD by 13 years. Thirty‐nine percent of males and 47% of females in the baseline sample showed effects of moderate or severe protein energy malnutrition at the time of relocation. Because these children were from a school sample, gender differences in opportunity to attend school may be a factor in what appears to be gender bias, favoring the status of boys. This sample provides a baseline for assessing the long‐term impact of forced relocation on the Gwembe Tonga. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:50–60, 2002.

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