Understanding Drivers Of Diet Change And Food Choice Among Pastoralist Societies In Handeni And Mvomero Districts, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Pastoralism is a livelihood system more prone to environmental, economic, social and political threat and pressures. Outcomes of these effects have implications on gender roles, responsibilities, lifestyles, and activities. This study elucidated the influences of shifting pastoralism livelihood strategies on the changes in socio-cultural, gender norms, food choice and dietary pattern in six randomly selected villages of Handeni and Mvomero districts, Tanzania. A total of 436 respondents participated in a cross-sectional study design and provided dietary information through household interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. MAXQDA software (12.3.1) analysed qualitative data and Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS, 20) and STATA (11.2) computed frequency, percentages and binary logistic regression. Livestock keeping and crops cultivation were the primary livelihood systems in the study area. Food valuation, food choices and food habits were influenced by, nutrition, and economic values as well as social and cultural perceptions. Statistically significant differences were observed in the consumption pattern of various foods between dry and wet seasons. These variations of food consumption were found due to the availability and accessibility of foods. Such foods includes; orange fleshed sweet potato P=0.002; maize (P=0.002); green kidney beans (P=0.002); fresh lung fish (P=0.001); jute leaves (P=0.001), spider plant leaves (P=0.008) and nightshade leaves (P=0.000). Animal and animal products such as meat and milk were the main source of food in pastoral communities but their consumption also varied (P=0.001). The study concludes that the major drivers of diet change and food choice include; livelihood diversification, food valuation (social and cultural inheritance, age, gender, economic status, ethnicity and beliefs), school interaction, livelihood systems, availability and accessibility of foods. It was therefore recommended that, nutrition education, communication and counseling focused on addressing unwarranted beliefs and norms regarding food consumption should be provided in order to improve pastoral household nutrition status.