WFP, UDSM sign pact for food security assessments in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The World Food Programme (WFP) has entered into a long-term agreement with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) to bolster food security and nutrition assessments in the country.

The agreement signed on Wednesday is valued at Sh542 million and is set to impact WFP's programmes, bringing academic expertise into community development.

Under the second phase of its five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP) that was launched on July 2022, WFP Tanzania is spearheading several initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition.

The collaboration with UDSM, according to WFP, is poised to have additional impact and create more room for improvement in the implementation of programmes through periodic assessments.

The memorandum of understanding signed by both parties highlights the pivotal role that UDSM will play in designing and conducting assessments for various projects.

The UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, was upbeat about the collaboration, saying, “This is an invaluable opportunity presented to the University of Dar es Salaam.”

He emphasised that the venture marked a significant milestone in academic excellence and community development.

The collaboration extends to key WFP programmes such as the Vijana Kilimo Biashara (VKB), Joint Programme Women Rural Economic Empowerment Project (JP-RWEE), Climate Smart Agriculture Project II (CSAP II), Improving Climate Resilience in Refugee Hosting Districts in Kigoma Tanzania Project, and Kilimo Tija Kigoma Project (KITIKI).

“The involvement of UDSM in the programmes reflected a strategic alignment to address critical issues affecting the well-being of communities,” Prof Anangisye said.

He added that the project encompasses 11 different activities aligned with the university's mission to contribute to societal betterment through research, public service, and community engagement.

"Our academic community is committed to ensuring the success of this project, leveraging our research capacity, and mobilising our faculty to make a meaningful contribution to the regular survey."

The collaboration received praise from Ms Sarah Gordon-Gibson, the representative of WFP Tanzania, who emphasised the importance of understanding the impact of their programmes on the community.

She expressed confidence in partnering with the oldest university in Tanzania, stating, “The assessment that will be conducted by experts from the university will give us an overview of our projects.”

An agricultural economist and prominent figure in the field of food security, Dr Grace Mwakapugi, said the involvement of an esteemed institution like UDSM brings a research-driven approach to assessing the effectiveness of WFP programmes, ensuring accurate evaluation, but also contributes valuable data for future interventions.

In addition to Dr Mwakapugi's perspective, an expert in nutrition, Dr Sophia Kimario, underscored the importance of academic collaboration in addressing nutrition challenges.

"The partnership between WFP and UDSM is crucial in developing evidence-based strategies to combat malnutrition. The university's involvement ensures a multidisciplinary approach, considering both agricultural and nutritional aspects," she stated.

The WFP's programmes, spanning across eight regions in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, according to Ms Gibson, aim to make a lasting impact on communities.

“By integrating the academic prowess of UDSM into the assessment process, the collaboration strives to enhance the precision and effectiveness of WFP's initiatives,” she said.

The implementation of the projects is underway in Dodoma, Singida, Simiyu, Tabora Mara, Arusha, Manyara, Kigoma, and Zanzibar.