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.
Table of Contents
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
Research Objective and Scope
This thesis investigates the contribution of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) to nutrition security in rural Tanzania. By analyzing the nutritional habits of populations in the Mwanza region, the study explores whether the cultivation and consumption of this vitamin A-rich crop significantly improve local health outcomes and economic livelihoods compared to areas without similar intervention programs.
- Nutritional impact of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes on vitamin A deficiency.
- Assessment of current dietary patterns and food security in rural Mwanza.
- Evaluation of cultivation and household processing methods for OFSP.
- Income-generating potential of OFSP through smallholder farming.
Excerpt from the Book
6 Sweet potato – a solving approach for nutrition disorder
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a tropical American vine, which is in the botanical family Convulaceae along with common plants, such as bindweed and morning glory. They should not be confused with potato (Solanum tuberosum) which belongs to Solanaceae and are entirely unrelated. But it is possible that their use is similar (LOEBENSTEIN et al. 2009, p. 3).
Sweet potatoes are grown from underground tuberous roots. The leaves are variable in shape, size, and color. They have single flowers which are funnel shaped and white or rose violet colored. Where stem nodes contact with the ground, the edible storage roots develop habitually four to ten storage roots per plant. They are used mostly for human consumption but are sometimes grown as animal feed. Sweet potatoes yield starch, flour, glucose and alcohol, and some varieties are especially very rich in vitamin A (LOEBENSTEIN et al. 2009, p. 3).
There are also enormously varieties in taste, size, shape, and textures, although all sweet potatoes are smooth skinned with roots. Sweet potato flesh can be white, yellow, orange (see Fig. 7), purple, red, pink and violet, while skin color varies among yellow, orange, red and brown. The white and yellow fleshed varieties are less sweet and moist than the other varieties. They also have little or no beta-carotene and higher levels of dry matter, which means their texture is drier and mealier and they stay firmer when cooked. The orange and red fleshed forms of sweet potato are particularly high in beta-carotene (LOEBENSTEIN et al. 2009, p. 4).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of global food security issues and defines the research context concerning vitamin A deficiency in Tanzania.
2 The United Republic of Tanzania: Describes the geographic, demographic, and economic landscape of the country, with a focus on the Mwanza region.
3 The Tanzania Home Economics Association: Outlines the history, vision, and operational project structure of TAHEA.
4 Influences of the nutritional situation in Tanzania: Analyzes the traditional Tanzanian diet and defines the pillars of food and nutrition security.
5 Vitamin A – an example of nutrition disorder: Explains the biological role, metabolism, and health implications of vitamin A deficiency and toxicity.
6 Sweet potato – a solving approach for nutrition disorder: Details the agricultural characteristics, cultivation challenges, and nutritional value of OFSP.
7 Empirical Research: Documents the research design, survey methodology, findings, and analysis of nutritional data gathered in rural villages.
8 Summary: Synthesizes the core arguments and empirical findings regarding the role of OFSP in local nutrition strategies.
Keywords
Orange-fleshed sweet potato, OFSP, Tanzania, Mwanza, Nutrition security, Vitamin A deficiency, TAHEA, Food crops, Agricultural development, 24-hours recall, Micronutrient intake, Smallholder farming, Beta-carotene, Food processing, Dietary habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this thesis?
The research examines the effectiveness of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in improving nutrition security in rural Mwanza, Tanzania, specifically targeting vitamin A deficiency.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Central themes include food security, the role of non-governmental organizations in agricultural development, the biological importance of vitamin A, and the practical cultivation of bio-fortified crops.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to assess the contribution of OFSP cultivation and consumption to the health and economic status of rural families supported by TAHEA.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilized a retrospective dietary survey using 24-hours recall interviews and conducted qualitative participant observations in local villages.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the background of Tanzania, the institutional work of TAHEA, the theoretical background of vitamin A, technical aspects of sweet potato farming, and the analysis of empirical survey data.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include OFSP, vitamin A deficiency, nutrition security, Mwanza, and agricultural smallholder support.
How does OFSP improve the daily diet?
As a rich source of beta-carotene, OFSP serves as an effective, accessible plant-based supplement that helps prevent vitamin A deficiency when included in the daily diet.
Did the study confirm the economic benefits of OFSP?
Yes, the empirical data indicated that farmers who cultivated and sold OFSP earned significantly more than those focusing exclusively on traditional white-fleshed varieties.
Why are storage and processing important for sweet potatoes?
Effective storage prevents crop losses and nutrient degradation, while optimized processing helps maintain vitamin content for the long-term benefit of household nutrition.
- Quote paper
- Verena Schmidt (Author), 2011, The contribution of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes towards nutrition security in rural areas in Mwanza, Tanzania, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/214784
