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Summary: Acute malnutrition or emaciation in childhood is defined by a low ratio weight/height. In Benin, 8% of the children are concerned. In the north of Benin, the situation is alarming. The aim of this survey is to specify: (1) the characteristics of infantile malnutrition in rural area in the north of Benin and (2) the management of the malnourished children. Subjects and methods: A descriptive survey was conducted in a paediatric dispensary. Anthropometric data of children from 0 to 60 months were collected. The children with severe malnutrition were admitted to a nutritional rehabilitation centre. The methods were those recommended by the World Health Organization and were adapted to the local resources. Results: The anthropometric data of 239 children were analyzed. The prevalence of emaciation was 33%. Thirty-eight children were admitted to the centre. Twenty-nine of the children recovered. Discussion: This survey confirms the precarious situation in the north of Benin, which may be explained by socio-economic and climatic factors. It can be prevented partly by better food availability, but also by an education on mothers. The strategies must be updated according to their effectiveness in terms of public health and their local acceptability. Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition in Fo-Bouré is beyond the value used by WHO to define the zones where the nutritional situation requires nutritional rehabilitation centres. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]