The ecology of malnutrition in a rural community in Tanzania

Abstract

The remote and immediate causes of protein deficiency in a Southwest Tanzanian community were examined. The inadequate nutrition of infants and children was attributable to a variety of factors which included the cultural background of the tribe, the land tenure system, poor agricultural practices, endemic, parasitic and communicable diseases, child rearing practices, and a series of historical events. A vicious circle of malnutrition, ill health, decreased productivity, poverty and more malnutrition has been established. Providing immediate food sufficiency was considered to be inadequate because of the complexity of the situation. A variety of relief measures would be required. These included administrative, legislative and political changes, the use of better agricultural methods, the promotion of health community development, education and the introduction of economic incentives. A systematic examination of the many factors influencing nutritional status of communities is required if remedial measures...