https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240318/scrutiny-arises-over-us-fortified-rice-donation-to-tanzania-1065616257.html
Scrutiny Arises Over US Fortified Rice Donation to Tanzania
Scrutiny Arises Over US Fortified Rice Donation to Tanzania
Sputnik Africa
Rice fortification implies increasing its nutritional value by adding vitamins and minerals. Such strategies are seen as an important public health measure to... 18.03.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-03-18T11:12+0100
2024-03-18T11:12+0100
2024-03-18T11:39+0100
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russia-africa cooperation
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The importation of fortified rice from the United States into Tanzania has been criticized by Tanzanian Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe, who cited Tanzania's existing rice reserves that render external imports unnecessary.Addressing concerns following a social media debate on the US rice donation to the East African country, Minister Bashe advocated for enriching local rice with nutrients sourced within the country, suggesting this approach would offer greater benefits compared to importing from overseas.The discussion began on the X platform after the US Embassy shared photos of the donated fortified rice, highlighting its allocation for nutritious meals in over 300 schools in Tanzania's Dodoma region under an initiative called 'Pamoja Tuwalishe' (Together let's feed them).This donation, comprising fortified rice, pinto beans, and sunflower seed oil, was facilitated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in partnership with Global Communities, supporting educational institutions in Dodoma.Tanzania anticipates a substantial rice harvest of 5 million tonnes this year, exceeding previous estimates of 2.3 million tonnes, while national rice demand hovers slightly above 1 million tonnes.Tanzania's nutritional landscape, as revealed by the 2022 Journal of Health Research, indicates a stunting prevalence of 54.3% and 3.7% wasting rate among the populace. Recently, the East African nation has made considerable strides in reducing stunting prevalence among children under five, with Dodoma region reporting significant progress in combating malnutrition alongside other regions, as affirmed by governmental health institutions and UNICEF data.
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russia-africa cooperation, international, united states (us), tanzania, east africa, food, food security , world food crisis, donation
Scrutiny Arises Over US Fortified Rice Donation to Tanzania
11:12 18.03.2024 (Updated: 11:39 18.03.2024) Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
Rice fortification implies increasing its nutritional value by adding vitamins and minerals. Such strategies are seen as an important public health measure to improve the overall nutrition of populations.
The importation of fortified rice from the
United States into Tanzania has been criticized by Tanzanian Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe, who cited Tanzania's existing rice reserves that render external imports unnecessary.
Addressing concerns following a social media debate on the US rice donation to the East African country, Minister Bashe advocated for enriching local rice with nutrients sourced within the country, suggesting this approach would offer greater benefits compared to importing from overseas.
The discussion began on the X platform after the US Embassy shared photos of the
donated fortified rice, highlighting its allocation for nutritious meals in over 300 schools in Tanzania's Dodoma region under an initiative called 'Pamoja Tuwalishe' (Together let's feed them).
This donation, comprising fortified rice, pinto beans, and sunflower seed oil, was facilitated by the US Department of Agriculture (
USDA) in partnership with Global Communities, supporting educational institutions in Dodoma.
"We told the NGO, tell the Americans that we have rice and beans in this country, and the money they used to give American farmers, they should give it to Tanzanian farmers. Let's buy rice and beans from Tanzania, and then let the nutrients they want to add be added here in Tanzania; we all see that," said Bashe, as quoted by local media.
Tanzania anticipates a substantial rice harvest of 5 million tonnes this year, exceeding previous estimates of 2.3 million tonnes, while national rice demand hovers slightly above 1 million tonnes.
Tanzania's nutritional landscape, as revealed by the 2022 Journal of Health Research, indicates a stunting prevalence of 54.3% and 3.7% wasting rate among the
populace.
Recently, the East African nation has made considerable strides in reducing stunting prevalence among children under five, with Dodoma region reporting significant progress in combating
malnutrition alongside other regions, as affirmed by governmental health institutions and UNICEF data.
