The contribution of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes towards nutrition security in rural areas in Mwanza, Tanzania

Bachelor Thesis , 2011 , 105 Pages , Grade: 1,3

Health - Nutritional Science

Abstract English:
Particularly in developing countries nearly one billion people are effected by nutrition insecurity in form of under- or malnutrition (FAO 2010, p. 1). Merely by the expression of vitamin A-deficiency an estimate of up to 500,000 children go blind worldwide every year (WHO 2011). This bachelor thesis deals with a solu-tion approach in form of the contribution made by the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and its afford towards nutrition security in rural areas of Mwanza, Tanzania. With help of the partner organization TAHEA, a retrospective population-based study of the nutritional status of rural population of Mwanza was conducted and impressions on food security were reinforced through participant observation. The positive influence of OFSP towards vitamin A status has been confirmed and among others an income-generating function by cultivation and sale of the tuber has been observed. The risk of a possible overdose must also be considered. Thus, the tuber is recommended as a nutritious snack or side dish, but should not be advertised as a considered staple food.

Abstract Deutsch:
Aktuell sind besonders in Entwicklungsländern nahezu eine Milliarde Menschen von Ernährungsunsicherheit in Form von Unter- oder Mangelernährung betroffen (FAO 2010, p. 1). Allein durch die Ausprägung eines Vitamin A-Mangels, erblinden Schätzungen zufolge weltweit jährlich bis zu 500.000 Kinder (WHO 2011). Diese Bachelorarbeit beschäftigt sich mit einem Lösungsansatz in Form des Beitrags, den die orange-fleischige Süßkartoffel (OFSP) zur Ernährungssicherheit in ländlichen Gebieten von Mwanza, Tansania, leistet und leisten kann. Mit Hilfe der Partnerorganisation TAHEA wurde durch eine retrospektive Stichproben-Studie der Ernährungszustand der ländlichen Bevölkerung Mwanzas erfasst und Eindrücke zum Thema Ernährungssicherheit durch teilnehmende Beobachtungen untermauert. Der positive Einfluss der OFSP auf die Vitamin A-Versorgung wurde bestätigt und unter anderem eine einkommensbildende Funktion durch Kultivierung und Verkauf der Knolle beobachtet. Doch auch die Gefahr einer möglichen Überdosierung muss beachtet werden. Somit empfiehlt sich die Knolle als nährstoffreiche Zwischenmahlzeit oder Beilage, sollte aber nicht als täglich zu verzehrendes Grundnahrungsmittel beworben werden.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• List of Abbreviations
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 The United Republic of Tanzania
  • 2.1 Geographic data
  • 2.2 Demographic data
  • 2.3 Economy and government
• 3 The Tanzania Home Economics Association
  • 3.1 Work of the organization
  • 3.2 Overview of Projects
• 4 Influences of the nutritional situation in Tanzania
  • 4.1 Traditional diet
  • 4.2 Food and Nutrition security
  • 4.3 Malnutrition – effects and causes
• 5 Vitamin A - an example of nutrition disorder
  • 5.1 Absorption and storage
  • 5.2 Function
  • 5.3 Aspects of dosage
    • 5.3.1 Deficiency effects and symptoms
    • 5.3.2 Toxicity
• 6 Sweet potato – a solving approach for nutrition disorder
  • 6.1 Agricultural facts
  • 6.2 Cultivation and storage problems
  • 6.3 Physiological function
  • 6.4 Processing methods and effects
• 7 Empirical Research
  • 7.1 Empirical question and hypothesis
  • 7.2 Research design
    • 7.2.1 Survey methodology
      • 7.2.1.1 24-hours recall
      • 7.2.1.2 Supporting observations
    • 7.2.2 Evaluation methodology
  • 7.3 Results of the survey
    • 7.3.1 Results of self-conducted 24-hours recall
    • 7.3.2 Results of 24-hours recall of foreign study
    • 7.3.3 Results of supporting observations
  • 7.4 Discussion and conclusion
• 8 Summary
• References
• Annexes
• Acknowledgments

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

The objective of this bachelor thesis is to explore the potential of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) to improve nutrition security in rural areas in Mwanza, Tanzania. This is achieved through analyzing the nutritional challenges in Tanzania, examining the properties of OFSP, and conducting empirical research in Mwanza.

• Nutritional security in Tanzania
• The role of vitamin A in nutrition and health
• The agricultural and nutritional properties of OFSP
• Empirical research on the consumption of OFSP in Mwanza
• The potential of OFSP to combat malnutrition in rural Tanzania

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter introduces the context of the study, highlighting the significance of nutrition security in Tanzania. It introduces the research question and outlines the methodology for the study.
• Chapter 2: The United Republic of Tanzania This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Tanzania, including its geography, demographics, and economic conditions. It sets the stage for understanding the nutritional challenges and opportunities in the country.
• Chapter 3: The Tanzania Home Economics Association This chapter delves into the work of the Tanzania Home Economics Association (TAHEA), exploring its contributions to promoting nutrition security in Tanzania. It highlights projects and initiatives implemented by TAHEA.
• Chapter 4: Influences of the nutritional situation in Tanzania This chapter examines the factors influencing the nutritional situation in Tanzania, including traditional diet, food and nutrition security, and the prevalence of malnutrition. It provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the population.
• Chapter 5: Vitamin A - an example of nutrition disorder This chapter focuses on Vitamin A deficiency, exploring its effects, causes, and the importance of ensuring adequate Vitamin A intake.
• Chapter 6: Sweet potato – a solving approach for nutrition disorder This chapter introduces the potential of sweet potatoes, specifically OFSP, as a solution to address nutrition disorders, particularly Vitamin A deficiency. It discusses their nutritional properties and cultivation practices.
• Chapter 7: Empirical Research This chapter presents the findings of the empirical research conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania. It details the research design, methodology, and results of the surveys and observations conducted to assess the consumption of OFSP.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key keywords and topics of this study include: nutrition security, Tanzania, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), Vitamin A deficiency, malnutrition, food and nutrition security, empirical research, traditional diet, agricultural practices, processing methods, and community-based interventions.

• College: University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Verena Schmidt (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 105
• Catalog Number: V214784
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656429029
• ISBN (Book): 9783656434894
• Language: English
• Tags: Nutrition security, sweet potato, Tanzania, Vitamin A