Children malnourished despite Tanzanian economic growth
Tanzania is a country in rapid development. In recent years, its economy has become stronger thanks to the progress in the fields of telecommunications, financial services, transport and construction. Today, the country is producing enough food for its population on a national level.
But 8 out of 10 people still rely on self-sufficiency farming, leaving them vulnerable to drought and other climate and economic shocks. 30 percent of the population live in poverty. And nearly 35 percent of children under 5 are classified as stunted – children whose physical growth has been impaired due to malnutrition.
To improve the nutritional status of children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, the UN World Food Program (WFP) provides monthly take-home packages of fortified blended food through different feeding programmes. WFP also supports and encourages farmers who wish to transition from rain-fed, self-sufficiency farming to market-oriented agriculture.
