Tanzania
- 34%
- of children under 5 are stunted
- 25%
- of the GDP comes from agriculture
- 55.9 million
- population
Sustained by steady growth, over the past two decades Tanzania has made significant progress in economic, social and human development. This, however, has not benefited all sectors of society and inequality has widened.
Although the country currently produces enough food to feed its population, the poorest and most marginalized families – including refugees – have limited access to it. The agricultural sector – largely dominated by smallholder farming – accounts for one quarter of the national GDP, but production is stagnant, while the population is expected to double by 2050. The effects of climate change are deepening the vulnerability of agriculture to disasters.
Chronic malnutrition rates are above the African average, with 32 percent of children under 5 being stunted. This overlaps with other nutritional challenges, including anaemia in women of reproductive age and children, and increasing levels of overweight and obesity.
What the World Food Programme is doing in Tanzania
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COVID-19
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WFP has a critical responsibility to maintain food assistance for its beneficiaries and in providing support to the Government in the COVID-19 response. WFP’s programmes and operations provide stability and strengthen the resilience of communities in Tanzania. WFP adjusts activities as required to meet the needs of the most vulnerable who rely on its assistance with minimum risk .
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Food and nutrition
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WFP works to ensure that refugees and other vulnerable people in Tanzania, including host communities, are able to meet their basic food and nutrition requirements. WFP is supporting government efforts to combat malnutrition in all its forms and is distributing specialized nutritious foods to address stunting.
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Support for smallholder farmers
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To increase production by smallholder farmers and facilitate their access to agricultural markets, WFP is working with private sector partners to provide support at every stage along the value chain. This includes promoting access to quality seeds, financial services, insurance and safe post-harvest storage, as well as creating demand, including through purchase of food for WFP operations in Tanzania and elsewhere.
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Social protection systems
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WFP is assisting the Tanzanian Government in developing the capacity of its disaster management and social protection systems to reliably address the basic food and nutrition needs of the poorest and most vulnerable populations throughout the year, including in times of crisis. WFP is also assisting to strengthen early warning systems linked to the support the National Food Reserve Agency as the government’s arm in maintaining adequate emergency stocks.
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Innovation
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WFP works with partners in Tanzania and beyond – including the WFP Innovation Accelerator based in Munich, Germany – to establish an innovation hub for the testing and refining of innovations that would contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the country and elsewhere. Innovative projects under way include the Global Learning XPRIZE, the WFP Farmer App, adaptive programming and Farm from a Box.
United Republic of Tanzania news releases
Go to pagePartners and donors
Achieving Zero Hunger is the work of many. Our work in Tanzania is made possible by the support and collaboration of our partners and donors, including:
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Find out more about the state of food security in United Republic of Tanzania
Visit the food security analysis pageOperations in United Republic of Tanzania
Contacts
Office
Dar Es Salaam Plot No. 113, Ada Estates, Burundi Street/Mwindu Lane, Kinondoni. PO Box 77778,
Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone
+255 22 2197300
Fax
+255 22 2197303