Food Security & Education
Food security and nutrition are critical issues in Tanzania, where a significant portion of the population faces challenges related to food access, availability, and utilization. According to the Tanzania National Nutrition Survey (TNNS) 2018, approximately 32% of children under five years of age are stunted, a condition indicative of chronic malnutrition. In regards, the mental well-being of individuals, particularly those responsible for household food production and caregiving, directly influences their ability to secure adequate food and provide proper nutrition for their families while individuals suffering from mental health conditions may experience a lack of motivation or energy to engage in farming or other income-generating activities necessary for food production and acquisition i.e., depression can lead to a decline in agricultural productivity as farmers may find it difficult to carry out labor-intensive tasks, manage their crops, or invest in sustainable farming practices. Similarly, Caregivers with untreated mental health conditions may struggle to provide the necessary care and attention to ensure their children receive proper nutrition i.e., a mother suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) may have difficulty breastfeeding and/or preparing nutritious meals hence lead to poor growth and developmenting her children.
The Tanzania Mental Health Summit will explore and promote integration of mental health services into food security and nutrition programs, to enhance the resilience of households, reduce the prevalence of malnutrition, and ensure that all family members, especially children,receive the nourishment they need to thrive.