Food insecurity in pastoral communities of Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania

Pastoral communities living on the edge of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area face significant food insecurity, with over half (55%) experiencing anxiety about food supply, insufficient dietary quality, and inadequate intake. This study, using household surveys (n=238), key informant interviews, and field observations, reveals that food insecurity is driven not by socio-demographic factors but by cultural practices, environmental challenges like limited water access, and production system constraints such as lack of small livestock or donkeys. Households located more than 5 km from markets are particularly vulnerable, with odds of food insecurity six times higher. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including nutrition education, sustainable energy technologies, and strategic infrastructure development to improve welfare in these marginalized communities.

Safari, J. G., Kirwa, M. K., & Mandara, C. G. (2022). Food insecurity in pastoral communities of Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania. Agriculture & Food Security, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-022-00374-5