Prevalence and determinants of minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age: A cross-sectional analysis in rural Tanzania
This project is part of the PAN AFRICA Programme, a career development programme funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID, aiming at strengthening the scientific capacity and leadership of African women in agricultural research. It is co-implemented by Agropolis Fondation and Award.
Hadijah Mbwana, Department of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture & Edwige Landais, UMR MoISA, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?
An in-depth analysis of the minimum dietary diversity for women; the concept that is of great importance as a key indicator of nutrient adequacy and overall health, focusing on its determinants, prevalence, and implications for enhancing women’s nutrition.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RESULTS ACHIEVED?
Hadijah :
During my stay, I conducted a thorough review of relevant literature on minimum dietary diversity and its significance for women’s health, analyzed the existing dataset to assess the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity among women of reproductive age in rural Tanzania, and discussed the results with colleagues from IRD. All that has led to the writing of an ongoing scientific publication.
Hadijah presenting her first results during a MoISa scientific seminar at the IRD
HOW HAS THIS AST PROVIDED YOU WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CAREER(S)?
Hadijah
Through this AST I got the chance to collaborate and develop a network with researchers and academics at IRD. These collaborations may lead to joint research projects, co-authored publications, and invitations to conferences and workshops, thereby expanding my professional network and enhancing my reputation in the field.
Moreover, during my stay at IRD, I have been exposed to a different research environment that has broadened my perspective, introduced me to new methodologies and approaches, and helped me develop new skills.
Lastly, interacting with researchers from different cultural backgrounds has fostered cross-cultural understanding, promoted diversity of thought, and enriched my experience. This exposure has also led to new research ideas, perspectives, and collaborations that may not have been possible otherwise.
Edwige
Previous to this scientific exchange I had never had the chance to collaborate with researchers from Tanzania. Also, thanks to the AST I could travel to Tanzania to visit Hadijah’s university. Once there I met and discussed with several researchers from other departments. It gave me a really good insight of what are the problems linked with nutrition and where we could work altogether.
WHAT IMPACT OR CONTRIBUTION WILL YOUR PROJECT MAKE TO SOCIETY?
Based on the findings and insights gained from the advanced science research stay, the result provides recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to promote minimum dietary diversity for women. Strategies for improving access to diverse and nutritious foods, enhancing nutrition education, and addressing barriers to dietary diversity are discussed to support women’s health and well-being.
HOW WILL THIS NEW COLLABORATION CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANNED JOINT PROJECTS?
We are committed to sustainable collaboration that extends beyond a single research stay. We have identified common goals and interests in research and areas of expertise that can serve as a foundation for our future collaboration. In that sense, we are already exploring funding opportunities to support future joint projects. This includes plans for applying for grants, seeking sponsorship, or partnering with funding agencies that support international research collaborations.
Edwige, Hadijah and other SUA researchers during a visit to the SUA Modal Training Farm (Tree Nursery and Fish ponds)