A hub of food amid of nutrition insecurities: exploring food and nutrition situations in Rural Areas of Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2023-09-14
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation
Abstract
A cross sectional study was conducted and involved 351 households from two regions where participants
were mother/caregiver-child pairs. This paper discloses the challenges and opportunities of food and
nutrition situations in the areas using lessons from Morogoro and Dodoma regions, Tanzania. Data were
collected through an inventory food production questionnaire, focus group discussions, observation and
documentation on preparation, cooking and consumption practices. The study revealed several
opportunities regarding food and nutrition situations including; availability of arable land for cultivation
of diverse crops, ownership of arable land by 75% of study population, and diverse crop production, where
about 80% of households cultivate 2-3 food crops. In addition, existence of manpower for agriculture
production was evidenced by household composition of more than 3 adults capable of participating in
agriculture production. Seasonal availability of fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables was also among
the opportunities noted. Despite the documented opportunities, 82% of households participated in
subsistence farming and depended on rain fed agriculture, this led to low productivity per acre and
seasonal scarcity of foods. Poor nutrition status of children and women coupled by frequent illnesses was
noted. Prevalence of stunting was 40.5% and underweight was 14.5%, prevalence of overweight for women
was also high in the villages. Furthermore, limited skills on food preparations and sub-optimal dietary
practices such as low dietary diversity, low consumption of fruits and animal source foods prevailed in the
areas. The importance of addressing the challenges is highlighted including promoting diversified and
sustainable agriculture by educating farmers on the importance of producing, consuming and sustaining
diversified diets. Also, increasing nutrition awareness on the importance of good nutrition for economic
development and productive life.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Food security, Nutrition situations, Rural farming, Rural