Strengthening food and nutrition security through family poultry and crop integration in Tanzania and Zambia

Chronic food insecurity and undernutrition are high-priority issues for Tanzania and Zambia, with both countries having high rates of stunting in children. Family poultry (which comprises extensive and small-scale, intensive poultry production) have a special place in food security as they are owned by between 70% and 99% of households and are frequently the only livestock under the control of women.  Improved family poultry production can increase nutritional outcomes directly by providing meat and eggs and indirectly by providing cash income to purchase food.  Poultry meat and eggs provide high quality protein and micronutrients (e.g. zinc, vitamin A and iron), which provide wholesome nutrition and are important for child growth. Lack of access to agricultural extension, inputs and markets by female poultry farmers has resulted in minimal small-scale commercial farming opportunities for women. Family nutritional status in these countries is low and improving women’s poultry production may improve overall nutrition status and health in pregnant women and children.

The aim of this project is to reduce childhood undernutrition by analysing and testing opportunities to enhance the key role that women play in improving poultry and crop integration and efficiency to strengthen household nutrition. It will assess existing family poultry-crop systems and poultry value chains, and test interventions to improve the efficiency and integration of both. It will also assess the role of women farmers—who are often responsible for chickens and secondary crops. The impact of improved poultry-crop systems on family nutrition, income and childhood stunting will be investigated. The project will also build capacity of the researchers and key institutions involved.