Kagera urged to reflect on stunting scourge

KAGERA: THE Acting Chief Medical Officer for Bukoba Municipality, Dr Auson Baruti, has called on the people of Kagera Region to reflect on the persistent high levels of child stunting in the area, despite its abundant resources.

Speaking at a kitchen gardening demonstration at Kibeta Ward over the weekend, Dr Baruti noted the paradox of Kagera’s rich agricultural potential juxtaposed with a child stunting rate of 34 per cent, making it one of the top ten regions in Tanzania for stunting.

He highlighted Kagera’s fertile soil, year-round rainfall and proximity to Lake Victoria—a vital source of fish—as reasons the region should be thriving nutritionally.

As we mark World Food Day, let us ask ourselves where we are failing,” he said at the event held at the newly constructed Kibeta Ward Dispensary, part of the national World Food Day activities.

Historically, Kagera has had stunting rates higher than the national average, with the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2022, indicating that onethird of children under five in the country are stunted.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that the current prevalence of stunting among African children under five is about 30.8 per cent, similar to Tanzania’s levels.

Dr Baruti questioned why Kagera experiences such high stunting rates despite its agricultural advantages.

“Our biggest problem is lack of will,” he stated. He also pointed out that even with a highly educated population, stunting persists.

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“Kagera has a notably high number of educated individuals, yet we still face this challenge,” he added.

Furthermore, Dr Baruti mentioned a correlation between high rates of violence in the region and the prevalence of stunting. “Kagera ranks third in violence, and all of this is linked to stunting,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of kitchen gardening, encouraging residents to grow their own vegetables rather than relying on market purchases.

“The greenery of Kagera is abundant year-round. God has favoured Kagera with good land, sufficient rain and plenty of food. Let us put in the effort to combat stunting,” he urged.

Georgina Nsangila, a retired teacher from Omukituli hamlet, Kibeta Ward, attributed high stunting rates to women’s increased involvement in business, leading to neglect of childcare.

“Many women spend most of their time seeking income instead of caring for their homes, which is a significant issue,” she explained.

She noted that this often results in inadequate meal preparation, with a lack of variety, primarily consisting of carbohydrates.

Pulcheria John, another retired civil servant from the same hamlet, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that increased involvement in vegetable gardening could improve nutritional outcomes.

She pointed out that while avocados are plentiful in the community, many are sold to neighbouring regions instead of being consumed locally.

In contrast, Almachius Kiwanuka, an Agriculture Extension Officer for nearby Nyanga Ward, argued that the primary cause of stunting is not women’s business involvement but rather a lack of knowledge about preparing nutritious meals with locally available ingredients.

“Women’s engagement in business is crucial for generating income to support family needs, including food,” he stated. He also noted cultural traditions that discourage men from consuming vegetables and fruits.

Theresia Massoy, an Agricultural Specialist representing the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) in Tanzania, emphasised that the day’s activities aimed to promote kitchen gardening to enhance food security, improve nutrition and foster sustainable agricultural practices within the community