Understanding the drivers of diet change and food choice among Tanzanian pastoralists to inform policy and practice

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Amy Webb Girard, Emory University; Peter Little, Emory University; Kathryn Yount, Emory University; Paula Dominguez-Salas, University of Greenwich; Joyce Kinabo, Sokoine University of Agriculture; Akwilina Mwanri, Sokoine University of Agriculture
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-09
• Publisher: CGIAR
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: UK government
• Final Published Version (URL): https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/96efdff6-4b56-47f8-a9e0-4afd0819553f
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Drivers of Food Choice Research Brief
• Grant/Funding Information: This research has been funded by the Drivers of Food Choice (DFC) Competitive Grants Program, which is funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and managed by the University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, USA
• Keywords: pastoral communities; sedentary communities; food availability; diet patterns; Tanzania; food cost
• Research Categories: Agriculture, Food Science and Technology; Health Sciences, Nutrition

Abstract

• Overall, diet patterns have changed dramatically for traditionally pastoral communities in rural Tanzania, with younger and more sedentary communities experiencing the most significant changes. • While social and environmental changes underlie the altered food choice behaviors, proximal factors such as cost and availability of foods dictated decisions at the point of purchase and appeared to accelerate pattern shifts. For example, cereals, refined grains and processed foods were the most affordable and accessible food items in the markets while traditional fruits and vegetables have declined substantially in availability over the past several decades. • Participants expressed concern regarding these dietary shifts and implications for both social identity and long-term health, with expressed concerns around childhood malnutrition due to reduced milk supply, pregnancy/postpartum complications due to declining blood consumption, and increased chronic diseases related to increased consumption of cereals, fats and oils, and soft drinks. • Participants exhibited a strong desire for enhanced land tenure policies to ensure access to quality grazing lands and water sources. • A high value on children’s health was expressed by participants who emphasized a need for more inclusive nutrition and health education pertaining to balanced diets.