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.