Effects of food insecurity among pastoralist families in the changing climate of Iringa rural district, Tanzania

Abstract

Dietary intake measures are useful for assessing nutritional status of an individual. Dietary intake depends on the availability of healthy foods, as well as on resources available to an individual, allowing them to purchase or access foods. This study was carried out in 20 villages in Iringa Rural District, between July and September 2013 to assess effects of food insecurity among pastoralist women and their infants. Interviews were used to gather information on food insecurity and food frequency in pastoralist households. Anthropometric measurements and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations of the participants were also collected. A total of 200 women and 30 infants were included in the study. The results indicated that majority (75.8%) of women's diet was of plant origin. Approximately 75% of women had food shortages, defined as having at least one meal per day composed of limited food groups and quantities. All children were given meals mainly composed of carbohydrates (40%) once a day with no consistent pattern of types of foods or feeding times. Data on the nutritional status of children indicated that 6.6% of the Barbaig children experienced wasting while 10% of the Sukuma children were stunted. For women, 28% were underweight, while 7% were obese. Haemoglobin data indicate that 87.5% of children were anaemic while 42% of women were anaemic. It is concluded that most women and children had food insecurity and poor nutritional status which partly would be caused by climate change. It is recommended that nutritional education programs should be introduced in health facilities and in schools so as to improve the knowledge on nutrition. Also education should be given to the heads of households on how to utilize livestock in improving their livelihood/income and strategies to climate change adaptations.