Verena Schmidt

The contribution of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes towards nutrition security in rural areas in Mwanza, Tanzania Verena Schmidt

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2011 in the subject Nutritional Science, grade: 1,3, University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück, language: English, abstract: 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 Ernährungssich