Strengthening of Tanzania Food and Nutrition Security Information System for Quality, Timely and Reliable Data - TCP/URT/3705

Strengthening of Tanzania Food and Nutrition Security Information System for Quality, Timely and Reliable Data - TCP/URT/3705

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2021

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Category Factsheet

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) Relevant, reliable, timely, clear and concise information on current and projected FNS conditions is fundamental when making effective policy and strategic decisions, and critical in guiding mitigation measures to address food and nutrition insecurity. Such information enables policy development and strategic recommendations that link to appropriate responses aimed at building resilience and disaster risk reduction, saving lives and livelihoods, and reducing food deficit and acute malnutrition. To this end, in collaboration with the United Nations and other stakeholders, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania formulated strategies to strengthen the institutional capacities of central government ministries and LGAs in 2007, with the aim of monitoring and managing an FNS Information System for better policy and strategic response to food and nutrition insecurity in the country. This led to the formulation of the Tanzanian FNS Analysis System, known in Swahili as Mfumo wa Uchambuzi wa Uhakika wa Chakula na Lishe (MUCHALI). The MUCHALI framework draws together information from multiple stakeholders and sectors, including government, national and international agencies, higher learning institutions, regional administrations and LGAs, as well as development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector. The main aim of the system is to conduct integrated analysis and reporting on the situation of FNS, and to provide strategic recommendations on interventions for decision-makers and stakeholders. FNS analysis has been conducted for many years in the country. However, existing systems for analysing food security had shortcomings that needed to be addressed to ensure sustainable FNS for all Tanzanians. Challenges included inadequate capacity at LGA level for food security analysis, a lack of explicit linkages between FNS analysis and decision-making, fragmented analytical efforts within national and international agencies, and poor linkages between food and nutrition security analyses. The Government further recognized the need to generate timely and quality data that are evidence-based not only at national level but, most importantly, at subnational level in order to enable a timely response to national needs at various levels. FAO was therefore requested to provide technical assistance to strengthen MUCHALI with regard to the Mainland and the Zanzibar Food Security and Nutrition Information and Early Warning System (ZFSNIEWS).

Language English

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Supporting Sustainable Development Goal SDG 2.1 Monitoring by Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition Information in Africa GCP/GLO/943/JP
Improving data collection and analysis to monitor progress towards the SDG targets using robust, statistically sound indicators for food and nutrition security
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In August 2017, 61 cases of aflatoxin and 17 deaths were reported from five districts in the Dodoma and Manyara regions. The Government took immediate action to investigate the outbreak. Out of the 115 maize samples tested, 52 showed high levels of aflatoxin poisoning that exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) threshold of 5 micrograms per kilogram of cereal and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards’ maximum acceptable limits for maize and groundnut. Maize is the United Republic of Tanzania’s staple food and is also prone to the development of mycotoxins, produced by fungi (e.g. Aspergillus). Aflatoxins can cause acute or chronic health effects, depending on the level and duration of exposure. The health effects that occur shortly after ingesting high levels of aflatoxin are severe illness and death. To prevent further contamination, awareness raising among maize consumers and producers was necessary to restore the food security of maize throughout the country. Additionally, postharvest technologies and good agricultural practices were disseminated to further improve food and nutrition security.