Tanzania sets new targets to boost fruit and vegetable consumption
Assistant Director for Livestock Products, Food Safety, and Nutrition from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Nyamizi Bundala, speaks during at an international conference on fruit and vegetable science in Arusha on , August 27, 2024. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The conference, which features 250 scientists from eight countries, aims to address the low intake of fruits and vegetables in Tanzania despite the country’s significant production.
Arusha. Over 90 percent of Tanzanians are currently not meeting the recommended levels of fruit and vegetable consumption, a trend linked to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases.
In response, the Tanzanian government has launched a national nutrition action plan with a goal to reduce the percentage of those falling short from 90 percent to 68 percent by 2025.
An Assistant Director for Livestock Products, Food Safety, and Nutrition from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Nyamizi Bundala, announced this initiative on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at an international conference on fruit and vegetable science in Arusha.
The conference, which features 250 scientists from eight countries, aims to address the low intake of fruits and vegetables in Tanzania despite the country’s significant production.
Dr Bundala highlighted a global nutrition report from 2022, which revealed a troubling increase in the number of people unable to achieve a healthy diet, rising from 112 million to 3.1 billion worldwide.
He stressed that while Tanzania produces ample fruits and vegetables, consumption rates remain critically low, contributing to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
“Our target is to reduce the percentage of people not consuming enough fruits and vegetables to 68 percent by 2025. This goal is part of a broader effort to enhance public health through better nutrition,” Dr Bundala stated.
She also noted that non-communicable diseases have reached 40 percent globally, with 20 percent of children experiencing overweight issues. To combat this, Tanzania has prioritized a five-year strategy (2021-2026) aimed at addressing malnutrition across all age groups.
“The strategy seeks to lower stunting from 31.8 percent in 2021/22 to 24 percent by 2025/26. While our food production is adequate, including vegetables and fruits, consumption levels are alarmingly low,” Dr Bundala added.
The Director of the World Vegetable Center for Africa, Dr Gabriel Rugalema, emphasized the need for increased education about the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption. He pointed out that proper intake can help combat issues such as stunting and childhood malnutrition.
“It is essential for African countries to enhance community education on the importance of fruits and vegetables. Scientists must develop effective solutions to ensure people understand and act on the benefits of a nutritious diet,” Dr Rugalema said.
Professor Joyce Kinabo from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) highlighted the urgent need to address nutritional problems, especially among children under five and those in schools. She recommended that schools establish systems to grow vegetables for student consumption.
“This conference is crucial for discussing strategies to improve fruit and vegetable intake, particularly among children and within educational settings,” Professor Kinabo said.
She also called for increased awareness among parents about the importance of fruits and vegetables in supporting children’s development. “Parents need to be encouraged to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their children’s diets from six months old to promote healthy growth and learning,” Professor Kinabo added.
The conference aims to foster collaboration and develop strategies to enhance nutritional outcomes and public health across the region.
