Food abundance now addresses stunting crisis

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a nation renowned for its fertile soils and bountiful harvests, it is both ironic and alarming that nearly one-third of Tanzanian children under five suffer from stunting-a condition that impedes their physical and cognitive development.

Right, according to the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) of 2022, 31.8 per cent of children in this age group are stunted. This paradox is not due to a lack of food.

Tanzania produces surplus crops like maize, cassava and sweet potatoes and exports a significant portion of its produce.

So, what’s the root cause? It’s our evolving eating habits.

The allure of fast food and sugary snacks has overshadowed traditional, nutrient-rich meals.

In rural areas, the cost of a sugary beverage can rival that of a nutritious fruit, making unhealthy choices more appealing.

Tanzania’s agricultural sector is robust, producing a surplus of food crops.

In the 2022/23 financial year, the country harvested 20.4 million tonnes of food, surpassing the estimated demand of 16.39 million tonnes for the 2023/24 period, resulting in a surplus of 4 million tonnes.

Staples like maize, cassava and sweet potatoes are cultivated in abundance and the nation is a significant exporter of these commodities.

However, the issue lies not in the quantity of food but the rise of urbanisation and changing lifestyles that have led to a shift in dietary patterns.

Many, particularly in urban areas, have adopted Western-style diets rich in processed foods, sugary snacks and soft drinks thinking that this is civilisation.

ALSO READ: Traditional foods shine at World Food Day in Bukoba

This dietary shift has contributed to a “double burden” of malnutrition: while stunting remains prevalent, there is also an increase in overweight and obesity rates.

The consequences of these dietary habits are far-reaching.

Poor nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life that is spanning from pregnancy to the child’s second birthday, can lead to irreversible developmental damage.

This not only affects the child’s health but also hampers the nation’s human capital development.

Children who are stunted are more likely to experience learning difficulties, reduced productivity in adulthood and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases.

Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. The government has initiated programmes like “Stawisha Maisha,” launched in October 2024, aimed at combating child malnutrition and stunting.

This programme integrates financial support with education on healthy nutrition practices, targeting the most vulnerable populations. However, government efforts alone are insufficient.

The private sector, especially food manufacturers and marketers, must take responsibility for promoting healthier products and responsible advertising.

Educational institutions should incorporate nutrition education into their curricula to foster a generation that values wholesome diets.

Media campaigns highlighting the dangers of excessive junk food consumption and the benefits of balanced diets can raise awareness and drive change.

Community leaders and local influencers play a pivotal role in this transformation.

Their endorsement of traditional, nutritious foods can shift public perception and consumption patterns.

Moreover, media campaigns highlighting the dangers of excessive junk food consumption and the benefits of balanced diets can raise awareness and drive change.

We must admit that we are standing at a crossroads.

We can continue down the path of dietary degradation, leading to a populace plagued by preventable diseases and developmental challenges.

Or we can reclaim our culinary heritage, prioritise nutrition and invest in the health of our future generations. The choice is ours, but the time to act is now.