EU, FAO, and Tanzanian Government Collaborate to Launch National Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Tanzania Mainland
The Tanzanian government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has officially launched the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) for Tanzania mainland, an initiative to promote healthier diets and fight malnutrition in the country that follows the launch of Zanzibar Food-Based Dietary Guidelines last year.
The FBDGs are based on the local nutrition situation, food availability, and eating habits and are tailored to the cultural context of Tanzania. They will provide evidence-based recommendations on healthy diets and lifestyles for the prevention of various forms of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.
The United Republic of Tanzania is one of the twelve countries in Africa that have developed and launched National FBDGs with the support of FAO, which has been dedicated to helping countries create specific guidelines that suit their needs and preferences. Other countries in this initiative include Benin, Gabon, Namibia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Nigeria, and Zambia.
The launch event was officiated by Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, Minister of Health, at Kisutu Central Market in Dar es Salaam, with FAO and EU Delegation officials, experts, and other stakeholders in attendance both in person and online.
In her keynote address, Hon. Mwalimu reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating malnutrition through enhanced dietary practices and nutrition education, saying, “While the nature and causes of malnutrition are complex, a nutritionally insufficient diet is a common denominator throughout all types of malnutrition. Food systems have the potential to contribute to the eradication of malnutrition beyond agriculture's primary role of producing food and generating income, which is why it is essential for us, as the ministry, to bring together different stakeholders in the fight against this shared cause."
Mr. Lamine Diallo, Head of Natural Resources at the European Delegation in Tanzania, highlighted the interconnectedness of agriculture and nutrition, expressing confidence in the guidelines' potential to enhance food systems and address malnutrition adding that "Agriculture is not only about producing food but also about ensuring that food is nutritious, safe and affordable. This initiative is part of our bigger national campaign Lishe Bora Ni Mtaji, which the EU is promoting with FAO. It is part of the EU’s commitment to supporting nutrition and food systems in Tanzania, through the AGRI-CONNECT programme, and worldwide.
Dr. Nyabenyi Tipo, FAO Representative in Tanzania, stressed the vital role of healthy diets amid the ongoing challenges of unhealthier diets, stating, "This milestone represents a culmination of dedicated efforts and collaboration among various stakeholders, reflecting our shared commitment to improving the nutrition and well-being of the Tanzanian population."
The FBDGs are expected to contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and will further support the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
The launch of Tanzania's FBDGs signifies a substantial step towards fostering healthier dietary habits, enhancing nutritional outcomes, and fortifying the resilience of food systems in Tanzania. The FBDGs present unique opportunities for countries to advocate for the reduction of various forms of malnutrition.
Background
This initiative is funded by the European Union, under AGRI-CONNECT, a 100 million 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.
By supporting horticulture, coffee, and tea value chains, the EU ultimately aims at improving smallholders’ income and nutrition by contributing to increased productivity, sustainable production, post-harvest management, value addition, and improved market linkages.
In this context, in 2021 EU and FAO signed an agreement for “Building Resilience of Agri-Food Systems and Better Nutrition in the Context of the Global Pandemic” which, among others, has launched a National Campaign Lishe Bora ni Mtaji reaching 20 million Tanzanians so far, promotes traditional food fairs, community and school gardens, as well as collection centres and innovative applications that facilitate the connection between farmers, food vendors, and consumers.
For further information, please contact:
Victor Mapile
FAO Tanzania
www.fao.org
twitter.com/FAOTanzania
Kelvin Mutagwaba
www.eeas.europa.eu/tanzania/
twitter.com/EUinTZ