Study links protein deficiency with low egg, milk consumption

Morogoro. A recent study conducted by Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has revealed that the consumption of eggs and milk among rural residents in Morogoro is significantly low, contributing to a protein deficiency within these communities. The research, carried out under the Food Land project, indicates that these areas lack essential animal-based proteins.

During a presentation of the study’s findings, project coordinator and researcher Prof Suzan Nchimbi noted that the research was conducted in the Kilombero and Mvomero districts, particularly in Kinda village. Various methods, including surveys, were employed to gather data from residents.

Prof Nchimbi stated that while local residents raise egg-laying chickens for commercial purposes, they seldom consume the eggs themselves. Instead, they sell them to generate income for other household needs.

“When we visited the research area, the residents explained that they do not include eggs in their diet. Their primary reason for raising chickens is to sell the eggs. Furthermore, in terms of milk consumption, we found that residents do not drink milk because they do not raise dairy cows or goats,” said Prof Nchimbi.

The study also revealed that the people of Kinda village extensively cultivate beans. Researchers identified four types of bean seeds enriched with iron and zinc as potential sources of essential nutrients.

These varieties are PIC 130, Nuha 629, Nuha 660, and Mashamba. All four are currently undergoing trials at various agricultural authorities, including the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI).

In addition to crop production, the study examined fish farming, focusing on optimal feed for farmed fish and proper preservation methods for produce, particularly fruits like avocados.

A participant in the research, Prof Dismas Mwoseba, noted that the study began in 2020 and is being conducted across six countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

In Tanzania, the research focuses on the Morogoro region, particularly in Kilombero and Mvomero districts, as well as Dar es Salaam.

“The project addresses agriculture, education, health, and nutrition. Through our research, we discovered that many young people in Kinda village are illiterate, which hinders their ability to read educational materials on nutrition. As a result, they struggle to implement nutritional guidelines effectively,” said Prof Mwoseba.

Meanwhile, poultry farmers in the Mvomero district have confirmed the study’s findings. Many farmers, including Prosper Mkunule, explained that they do not consume the eggs they produce, opting instead to sell them for income.

 “We grow beans, carrots, and nearly all types of leafy vegetables. However, due to our lack of nutritional education, we sell most of these products and only consume those that are of poor quality or starting to spoil. We hope that the researchers, after identifying this challenge, will provide us with nutritional education, as this will help us make better dietary choices,” Mr Mkunule said.