Implementing Large-scale Food Fortification in Tanzania: Lessons Learned.
Loading...
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Objectives: The main objective is to identify achievements, challenges and lessons learned in
implementing large scale food fortification in Tanzania for the benefit of other countries attempting
to initiate national mandatory fortification of staple foods
Methods: Lessons learned were drawn from fortification program documents and interviews with
fortification stakeholders. The lessons learned cover the key components of fortification programs,
including production, distribution, quality control and enforcement, standards setting, legislation,
social marketing and communication, monitoring and evaluation. A food rapid assessment tool
(FRAT) survey was conducted to determine appropriate staple food vehicles for fortification.
Results: The FRAT survey identified wheat flour, maize meal, and vegetable oil as appropriate
fortification vehicles. It was estimated that 23 million could be reached with both
fortified vegetable oil and wheat flour. Political will and commitment especially at highest level of
leadership was critical in engendering support for fortification from both the public and private
sector. Furthermore, establishment of a local premix distribution hub in Tanzania has ensured
regular availability of premix. Importantly, Tanzania exonerated the purchase of premix from taxes,
a model for east Africa.
Conclusions: Through mandatory legislation and enabling political environment Tanzania has
successfully launched and scaled up fortification of vegetable oil and wheat flour.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Dhillon Christina Nyhus, Sablah Mawuli, Kaishozi George. Implementing Large-scale Food Fortification in Tanzania: Lessons Learned. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2015 Special issue; 5(5): 762.