Speakers and presentation

Yazeed Ustarz, University of Development Studies | Paul Nkegbe, University of Development Studies | Giacomo Zanello, University of Reading | Fiorella Picchioni, University of Reading 
Energy Count(s): Measuring Energy Expenditure in Agricultural and Rural Livelihoods using Accelerometer Devices
Presentation slides

Session overview

There is a well-recognized need to incorporate and understand the human energy expenditure dimension in agri-health analyses. Accelerometry-based technologies can provide an improved picture on patterns of energy expenditure and scale up empirical measurement. 

Drawing from a large-scale multi-country IMMANA funded project, this session will present the methodology developed for generating reliable energy expenditure profiles for rural agricultural households in LMICs using wearable accelerometry devices.

Participants will be introduced to the protocol and methodological steps developed during the research activities. In addition, participants will be exposed to ethical considerations and potential empirical applications of the methodology.

Learning objectives and outcomes

• Gain an understanding of the accelerometry technology and its advantages in measuring physical activity of free-living population.
• Familiarize with the research protocol: initialization of devices, compliancy checks, complementary questionnaires (time-use and food intake), and management of data collection workflow.
• Get an intuition on data cleaning and manipulation process – calculation of hourly, daily, weekly and individual data.
• Get an overview of how to present preliminary findings.
• Get exposed to ethical considerations and future avenues for research.

Target audience

Researchers and practitioners involved in agriculture, health, and nutrition.

Format, level and prerequisites

Presentations and tutorials | Intermediate