TANZANIA – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a series of innovative kiosks for street food vendors in Dar es Salaam in an initiative to combat malnutrition and promote healthier diets in the country.
Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, commended the efforts to promote healthier diets using local ingredients noting the importance of taking tangible actions to align with the goals discussed at the recent Food Systems Summit.
This initiative is part of a national campaign aimed at ensuring safe and hygienic food preparation and service by street food vendors, spearheaded by the European Union-funded Agri-Connect flagship program run by FAO.
During his visit to the Kisutu area, Dr. Haile-Gabriel engaged with street food vendors to ensure the food prepared was safe, nutritious, and affordable, receiving affirmative responses.
He underscored that Kisutu street food vendors’ example demonstrates the feasibility of promoting nutritious and affordable diets using locally sourced ingredients.
Lamine Diallo, Head of Natural Resources at the EU Delegation in Tanzania, highlighted the event’s role in a national campaign supported by Agri-Connect and the European Union, aiming to reduce malnutrition rates in Tanzania.
“The joint initiative, involving the government of Tanzania, FAO, and the EU, seeks to enhance the resilience of Tanzania’s food systems and raise awareness about the link between food production and consumption.”
Mr Diallo acknowledged the wisdom of previous generations’ diets and stressed the importance of promoting healthier food choices.
The campaign’s reach extends to media, schools, farmers, communities, street food vendors, musicians, and the youth, intending to impact 32 million Tanzanians and beyond.
Mr. Mobhare Matinyi, the Temeke District Commissioner, representing Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, emphasized that despite Tanzania’s self-sufficiency in food production, malnutrition remains a pressing issue.
He revealed that a third of children suffer from stunted growth, and women, critical contributors to agriculture, are also affected.
“Information shows that despite our country being self-sufficient in food, we are still facing malnutrition where a third of children are stunted,” Mr Matinyi said.
He further highlighted the alarming rates of anaemia and obesity among women, underscoring the urgent need for improved nutrition.
According to, the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises 2022 Mid-Year Update, at least one in five Africans goes to bed hungry, with approximately 140 million people facing acute food insecurity.
It revealed that Africa, despite its fertile lands and abundant resources, grapples with food insecurity, malnutrition, and various challenges, including climate change and inefficient supply chains.
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