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UN FAO and the European Union launch street food initiative

In a collaborative effort involving the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the European Union, and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, a traditional food site was inaugurated, and improved street food kiosks were handed over to vendors at the Kisutu Old Market in Ilala, Dar es Salaam.

This initiative aims to highlight the significance of street food in Tanzania as an accessible and affordable source of nutrition for urban populations, recognizing its crucial role in the livelihoods and health of low-income households. Moreover, it underscores the collective commitment of FAO, the European Union, government bodies, and various partners to enhance food safety within the street food sector.

Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa at FAO, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, stated, "Today marks a historic moment in the enhancement of street food vending infrastructure and the promotion of traditional food within the community. The introduction of improved street food vendor sales outlet models and the launch of the traditional food site aims to uplift the local food economy, provide better working conditions for vendors, and celebrate the rich cultural culinary heritage."

The traditional food site serves as an essential cultural, educational, economic, and nutritional resource. It plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional food cultures while fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of global cuisine. These sites preserve ancient recipes and cooking methods for future generations.

Mobhare Matinyi Temeke District Commissioner representing the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Hon Albert Chalamila “Our country recognizes the importance of improving food systems to be secured with food and nutrition. Food systems need to be strengthened from the production level until the food reaches the consumer”.

As part of this project, three traditional food sites are expected to be launched in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Mbeya, with a focus on promoting healthy eating by highlighting nutritional benefits to customers.

Approximately 45 improved kiosks were provided to selected street food vendors in Kisutu, Minazi Mirefu, Ilala Municipal Council, Dar es Salaam, and Machinga Complex in the Dodoma region. These enhanced outlets are designed to enhance food safety, regulatory compliance, quality, convenience, economic development, and community integration. Overall, around 1,500 street food vendors are expected to benefit from this transformative project.

Lamine Diallo, Head of the Natural Resources Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania and the East Africa Community, noted, "We are all talking about advancing Food Systems in Africa these days in JICC and, in her address to the forum, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reiterated her commitment to boost Tanzania’s Agriculture and to support women and youth. This event today is a good example of the EU and FAO contribution to this national commitment."

FAO reiterates its dedication to promoting global food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Collaborating with the Regional Administration and Local Government of Dar es Salaam, Dodoma Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), COUNSENUTH, and various stakeholders, FAO actively addresses critical challenges within Tanzania's agrifood systems. This project implemented by FAO, under the bigger EU-funded AGRI-CONNECT programme, connects farmers to markets, supports behavioral change for good nutrition practices, and promotes women and youth employment, along with climate-smart agriculture.

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations works in collaboration with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to develop and implement the country's policies, strategies, and programmes in agriculture, food and nutrition security, One Health, rural development, and climate resilience. 

AGRI-CONNECT is a 100 M EURO programme focused on the development of horticulture, coffee, and tea value chains. In line with the EU “Farm to Fork” strategy, the programme adopts a holistic approach, starting from improved production in the farms up to the final products reaching the market and the consumers, while taking care of the health aspects as well as the need to protect the environment.

For more information, contact:

Victor Mapile

FAO Tanzania

[email protected]

www.fao.org

twitter.com/FAOTanzania

Kelvin Mutagwaba

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu/tanzania/  

twitter.com/EUinTZ