Browsing by Author "Sieber, S."

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A tailored nutrition education intervention improves women’s nutrition knowledge and dietary practices in farming households of Tanzania
(Symbiosis Group) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Rybak, C.; Stuetz, W.; Sieber, S.
A tailored nutrition education intervention improves women’s nutrition knowledge and dietary practices in farming households of Tanzania
(Symbiosis Group, 2020-02-17) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Rybak, C.; Stuetz, W.; Sieber, S.
A study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a nutrition education intervention among women residing in the villages of Dodoma and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Prior to the intervention, a baseline survey was conducted in July-August 2016. The survey involved 663 women who completed a pre-test assessment for nutrition knowledge and practice and enrolled in nutrition education intervention. The intervention was carried out for 8 months (September 2017 to April 2018) including a 10 days group training per village with six-month individual training follow-ups in the household. Spouses/ adult men were also invited to participate in the intervention. Training content included; functions of food, food groups, malnutrition, food preparations, food consumption and homestead food production. Women were given a post-test during the endline survey (July-August 2018) to assess the intervention. Nutrition knowledge (NK), Nutrition Practice (NP) as well as a combination of Nutrition Knowledge and Practice (NKP) were computed using a scoring method as per FAO guidelines. The test was scored in a range of 0-10 for NK and NP and 0-20 for NKP. The median scores before and after the intervention were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The NKP scores among sub-groups of respondents were computed using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. Changes in proportions were calculated using a McNemar test. Results indicated a significant increase in the post-intervention median scores (interquartile range) than the pre-intervention median scores (interquartile range) for NK, NP, and NKP; 7(5,7) vs 4(3,5), 5(4,6) vs 3(2,4) and 12(10,13) vs 7(5,9) respectively, p<0.01. Higher scores were found among those who had received nutrition education, those who had frequently been exposed to nutrition education, those whose spouses/men participated in the intervention and those with a formal level of education than their counterparts. A significant increase in the frequencies of consumption of vegetables, fruits and legumes were noted from the baseline to the post-intervention phase in the end-line (87%-98%, 63%-69% and 76%-87%) respectively. The findings suggest the effectiveness of the nutrition education in the promotion of nutrition knowledge and desirable dietary practices in farming households of Tanzania.
Assessment of upgrading strategies to improve regional food systems in Tanzania: Food processing, waste management and bioenergy, and income generation
(SAGE) Graef, F.; Schneider, I.; Fasse, A.; Germer, J.U.; Gevorgyan, E.; Haule, F.; Hoffmann, H.; Kahimba, F.C.; Kashaga, L.; Kissoly, L.; Lambert, C.; Lana, M.; Mahoo, H.F.; Makoko, B.; Mbaga, S. H.; Mmbughu, A.; Mkangwa, S.; Mrosso, L.; Mutabazi, K.D.; Mwinuka, L.; Ngazi, H.; Nkonya, E.; Said, S.; Schaffert, A.; Schäfer, M.P.; Sieber, S.; Swamila, M.; Welp, H.M.; William, L.; Yustas, Y.M.
Consumption intensity and production constraints of indigenous vegetables: a step in African food and nutrition security
(Margraf Publishers GmbH, Weikersheim Kanalstrasse 21, 97990Weikersheim) Mbwana, H.; Kinabo, J.; Stuetz, W.; Rybak, C.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Sieber, S.; Konrad, H.; Ski, B.
Consumption intensity and production constraints of indigenous vegetables: a step in African food and nutrition security
(Margraf Publishers GmbH, Weikersheim Kanalstrasse 21, 97990Weikersheim, 2018) Mbwana, H.; Kinabo, J.; Stuetz, W.; Rybak, C.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Sieber, S.; Konrad, H.; Ski, B.
Food and nutrition insecurity has been a major challenge in Africa. Farmers need to diversify food production in order to alleviate food and nutrition insecurity. With climate change at hand, indigenous vegetables can provide prospects to diversify production systems and improve food, nutrition and income security in many countries. Regardless of their potential, the extent of consumption and diversity of indigenous vegetables in lessening food, nutrition and economic insecurity are not fully exploited in Tanzania. Estimation of consumption intensity of these vegetables is important to understand how their utilisation can be enhanced at the household level. The study evaluated consumption intensity and production constraints of indigenous vegetables. The study was carried out on 600 farm households from four villages in Dodoma and Morogoro, Tanzania. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select districts, villages and households. Districts were selected purposively based on their different agro-ecological characteristics and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean consumption of indigenous vegetables was high in 74% of households, but the quantities were below 80% the recommended daily intake (RDI) in 72–96% of households. The mean intakes of vegetables were significantly (p < 0.001) different among the two agro ecological zones. Age of household head, household size and distance to a water source influenced consumption intensity of indigenous vegetables. Identified production constraints were lack of knowledge on the vegetables for example; production practices, cooking methods, utilisation and preservation methods; lack of seeds, low yields and competition with some exotic. The diets of rural community were somehow deficient in terms of different vegetables and amount consumed thus contributing to high prevalence of undernutrition and micronutrient malnutrition. Therefore, strategies that could promote consumption intensity of indigenous vegetables such as health and nutrition education and involving young and male decision makers, extension services and production of these vegetables in home gardens should be employed.
Does homestead livestock production and ownership contribute to consumption of animal source foods? A pre-intervention assessment of rural farming communities in Tanzania
(Elsevier) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Does homestead livestock production and ownership contribute to consumption of animal source foods? A pre-intervention assessment of rural farming communities in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2020) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Livestock production at homestead level is widely reported as an important pathway to achieve optimal consumption of Animal Source Foods (ASF) in a household. However, the empirical evidence is limited. This paper examines the extent of homestead livestock pro- duction and consumption of ASF by rural farming communities in four villages of Dodoma and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey of 663 households was carried out. Interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers and caregivers sought to understand livestock production and consumption patterns of ASF. Analysis techniques in- cluded Chi-square test, ANOVA and binary regression. Animal source foods were grouped into four categories; (i) meat and meat products, (ii) eggs, (iii) fish, sardines and sea foods, and (iv) milk and dairy products. The average intake of ASF was low for the entire sample, with only 26% of the population consuming at least one of the four types, even though more than half (52.5%) of the surveyed households reported to keep livestock. Generally, proportion of livestock keepers consuming ASF was slightly higher compared to their coun- terparts. Results from chi-square test indicated that, Dodoma households were more likely to consume meat ( χ2 (1) = 11.1, p = 0.0 0 0) and milk ( χ2 (1) = 10.8, p = 0.0 0 0) than Morogoro households ( χ2 (1) = 0.2, p = 0.627 and χ2 (1) = 0.02, p = 0.887). Notably consumption of fish and sardines prevailed more in Morogoro than Dodoma households. Keeping of livestock was further emerged as a significant predictor for consumption of ASF after controlling for demographic factors ( p < 0.01). Findings from FGDs further re- vealed that; low nutrition knowledge, limited number of livestock, monetary and cultural values attached to livestock were the barriers to consumption of ASF. These observations highlight a mismatch between level of production of livestock, availability and actual con- sumption of ASF in rural households. Optimizing the contribution of livestock keeping on the consumption of ASF requires a combination of effort s. These include; addressing socio- cultural norms and practices towards motives for keeping livestock, promoting good live- stock rearing practices to maintain desired stock needed for consumption and households’
Expert-based ex-ante assessments of potential social, ecological, and economic impacts of upgrading strategies for improving food security in rural Tanzania using the ScalA-FS approach
(Springer Science) Graef, F.; Uckert, G.; Schindler, J.; König, H. J.; Mbwana, H. A.; Fasse, A.; Mwinuka, L.; Mahoo, H.; Kaburire, L.; Saidia, P.; Yustas, Y. M.; Silayo, V.; Makoko, B.; Kissoly, L.; Lambert, C.; Kimaro, A.; Sieber, S.; Hoffmann, H.; Kahimba, F. C.; Mutabazi, K. D.
Gaps in knowledge and practice on dietary consumption among rural farming households; a call for nutrition education training in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Bonatti, M.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Gaps in knowledge and practice on dietary consumption among rural farming households; a call for nutrition education training in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2019) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Bonatti, M.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Dietary-related conditions are preventable only if people have better understanding of factors that underpin their dietary choices. A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine levels and gaps of nutrition knowledge and practices (KPs) of 663 mothers/caregivers in rural households of Tanzania. Results indicated that, only 14% of the population had received nutrition education prior to the survey. The mean KP score was 6.9 (±2.6) out of 20 with only 17% of the study population had KP scores above the mean. The average proportion of those who had correct responses above mean was 27% for knowledge and 22% practices. Low coverage of nutrition education and poor participation of men in nutrition education activities were frequently reported as the barriers for adoption of desirable dietary practices at households. The KP levels are far below the recommended FAO thresholds and entail high levels of nutrition illiteracy which call for immediate intervention.
Gliricidia agroforestry technology adoption potential in selected dryland areas of Dodoma region, Tanzania
(MDPI) Swamila, M.; Philip, D.; Akyoo, A. M.; Sieber, S.; Bekunda, M.; Kimaro, A. A.
Gliricidia agroforestry technology adoption potential in selected dryland areas of Dodoma region, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2020-07-20) Swamila, M.; Philip, D.; Akyoo, A. M.; Sieber, S.; Bekunda, M.; Kimaro, A. A.
Declining soil fertility is one of the major problems facing producers of field crops in most dryland areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. In response to the declining soil fertility, extensive participatory research has been undertaken by the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) and smallholder farmers in Dodoma region, Tanzania. The research has, amongst others, led to the development of Gliricidia agroforestry technology. The positive impact of Gliricidia intercropping on crop yields has been established. However, information on farmers’ willingness and ability to adopt the Gliricidia agroforestry technology on their farms is limited. This study predicts the adoption of Gliricidia agroforestry and conventional mineral fertilizer use technology. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with groups of farmers, purposively selected based on five sets of criteria: (i) at least 2 years of experience in either trying or using Gliricidia agroforestry technology, (ii) at least 1 year of experience in either trying or using the mineral fertilizer technology (iii) at least 10 years of living in the study villages, (iv) the age of 18 years and above, and (v) sex. The Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT) was used to predict the peak adoption levels and the respective time in years. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effect of change in adoption variables on predicted peak adoption levels and time to peak adoption. The results revealed variations in peak adoption levels with Gliricidia agroforestry technology exhibiting the highest peak of 67.6% in 12 years, and that the most influential variable to the peak adoption is the upfront cost of investing in Gliricidia agroforestry and fertilizer technologies. However, in Gliricidia agroforestry technology most production costs are incurred in the first year of project establishment but impact the long term biophysical and economic benefits. Moreover, farmers practicing agroforestry technology accrue environmental benefits, such as soil erosion control. Based on the results, it is plausible to argue that Gliricidia agroforestry technology has a high adoption potential and its adoption is influenced by investment costs. We recommend two actions to attract smallholder farmers investing in agroforestry technologies. First, enhancing farmers’ access to inputs at affordable prices. Second, raising farmers’ awareness of the long-term environmental benefits of Gliricidia agroforestry technology.
Natural resource management and crop production strategies to improve regional food systems in Tanzania.
(SAGE) Graef, F.; Schneider, I.; Fasse, A.; Germer, J.U.; Gevorgyan, E.; Haule, F.; Hoffmann, H.; Kahimba, F.C.; Kashaga, L.; Kissoly, L.; Lambert, C.; Lana, M.; Mahoo, H.F.; Makoko, B.; Mbaga, S.H.; Mmbughu, A.; Mkangwa, S.; Mrosso, L.; Mutabazi, K.D.; Mwinuka, L.; Ngazi, H.; Nkonya, E.; Reif, C.; Said, S.; Schaffert, A.; Schäfer, M.P.; Schindler, J.; Sieber, S.; Swamila, M.; Welp, H.M.; William, L.; Yustas, Y.M.
Preferences and consumption of pigeon peas among rural households as determinants for developing diversified products for sustainable health
(Sustainability) Majili, Z. S.; Nyaruhucha, C.; Kulwa, K.; Mutabazi, K.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Preferences and consumption of pigeon peas among rural households as determinants for developing diversified products for sustainable health
(Sustainability, 2020) Majili, Z. S.; Nyaruhucha, C.; Kulwa, K.; Mutabazi, K.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Pigeon peas are legumes with a high nutritional value. Existing studies of pigeon peas in Tanzania mainly examine production and marketing, but little has been documented with respect to consumer preferences and the consumption of pigeon peas. This study assesses the preferences surrounding pigeon peas and their consumption as bases for the development of diversified and shelf-stable products for nutrition and income improvement. This study comprised 303 randomly selected farming households. Furthermore, 60 farmers participated in six focus group discussions in the Lindi region. A structured questionnaire and a checklist with guided questions were provided for data collection. The analysis uses SPSS (V.21), with di erences between groups established using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. The associations were tested using Spearman’s at p < 0.05. The mean pigeon peas consumption during the harvesting and lean seasons was 80 g/person/day and 18 g/person/day, respectively. The frequency of consumption was higher during the harvesting season (92%) than the lean (29%) season. The majority of farmers (91%) preferred to consume the local variety, with 84% of them consuming pigeon peas as stew. Five pigeon pea recipes exist in the area. The farmers identified availability, taste, source of income, and familiarity as the factors determining pigeon pea consumption and preferences. With limited recipes and other barriers limiting consumption, the creation of innovative ideas for the development of diversified and shelf-stable products fitting their consumption preferences is needed.
Rural agriculture for improved nutrition: stakeholder insights from different sectors in Tanzania
(CUVILLIER VERLAG) Mbwana, H.; Kinabo, J.; Reif, C.; Stuetz, W.; Sieber, S.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Biesalski, H. K.
Rural agriculture for improved nutrition: stakeholder insights from different sectors in Tanzania
(CUVILLIER VERLAG, 2017-09) Mbwana, H.; Kinabo, J.; Reif, C.; Stuetz, W.; Sieber, S.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Biesalski, H. K.
Nutrition sensitive pathways and approaches involving agriculture are being recognised as essential to guarantee nutrition security and lessen undernutrition. In Tanzania, the majority of the population lives in the rural areas and 80% depend on agriculture as the main source of livelihood. Although agriculture can play a big role in alleviating undernutrition, its role in tackling malnutrition needs to be dealt with based on policies to the actual implementation. This study aimed to investigate perspectives of stakeholders on links between rural agriculture and nutrition, opportunities and challenges, evidences and policy inferences. Methodology: Open ended interviews were conducted with 11 stakeholders identified for the Scale-N project in Tanzania who contribute in one way or another to the nutrition sector. Two focus group discussions with 20 farmers from Mzula and Tindiga villages in Dodoma and Kilosa were conducted. Stakeholders acknowledged obstacles to better achievement of undernutrition reduction which included absence of clear cut motivations in the agriculture sector regarding enhancing nutrition, concentrating on cash crops, lack of accountability for agriculture matters for improving nutrition, policies exist but putting them into action is hindered, limited competence in the available human resources, absence of coordination between sectors, lack of proof that agriculture works for nutrition and economic constraints to support agriculture. Possible measures mentioned to be taken to improve rural agriculture for better nutrition including home gardening with different crops, nutrition training, better access to markets and labour saving technologies to women. From the farmers’ side, 13 mentioned lack of extension services, 17 mentioned lack of access to agricultural productive resources, lack of knowledge about nutritious and safe food and the majority mentioned increased occurrences of natural disasters such as floods and serious drought. Numerous possibilities are present to strengthen the role of agriculture on nutrition in Tanzania, however, there is need to strengthen the structure and making of policies which will in turn need proper implementation for the desired success.
Social organization, constraints and opportunities for kitchen garden implementation: ScalA and ScalA-FS assessment tools in Morogoro and Dodoma, Tanzania
(Springer / CrossMark) Bonatti, M.; Larissa, H. I. R.; Graef, F.; Mbwana, H. A.; Rybak, C.; Lana, M.; Sieber, S.
Status and scope of kitchen gardening of green leafy vegetables in rural Tanzania: implications for nutrition interventions
(Springer Nature B.V.) Rybak, C.; Mbwana, H. A.; Bonatti, M.; Sieber, S.; Müller, K.
Status and scope of kitchen gardening of green leafy vegetables in rural Tanzania: implications for nutrition interventions
(Springer Nature B.V., 2018) Rybak, C.; Mbwana, H. A.; Bonatti, M.; Sieber, S.; Müller, K.
Kitchen gardens in Tanzania are currently facing a variety of threats. However, many households depend on basic farming activities to meet household food needs. The objective of this study was to describe the current status and scope of kitchen gardening for improving the food security situation in the Morogoro and Dodoma regions of Tanzania. A cluster sampling method was used to select 383 households. The main respondents were mothers or caregivers responsible for food preparation. Techniques for data collection were observations, focus group discussions and face to face interviews. A small proportion (2.6%) of residents in the semi-arid Dodoma region had a kitchen garden as compared to the sub-humid Morogoro region (9.9%). Sweet potato leaves, cassava leaves, pumpkin leaves, cowpea leaves and African egg plant were the principal vegetables grown in the two areas. The market provided vegetables to 87% of the surveyed households. Vegetables sold at the market were mostly in the dried form, fresh vegetables in the market being those cultivated near ponds, especially during dry seasons. About 90% and 55% of the kitchen garden produce was used for home consumption in Dodoma and Morogoro, respectively.Women contributed 80% and 75%of the total labor for managing kitchen gardens in Dodoma and Morogoro, respectively. Socio-cultural factors (food habit and demand and supply of food materials), environmental factors (climatic factors, water availability), types of soils and farmers’ local knowledge and understanding (traditional knowledge and practices, formal and non-formal education) were the key determinants of vegetables grown in the traditional kitchen garden. Kitchen gardening was practised by few of the surveyed households and the diversity of the planted vegetables was low. Factors that influenced the presence of a kitchen gardens at household level were: sex of the household head (p = 0.002), literacy status of the mother/caregiver (p = 0.001) and the education level (p = 0.001) of the respondent.