New Platform Aims to Enhance Food Security in Tanzania's Dodoma

The city of Dodoma, Tanzania, is taking steps to strengthen its food system to improve food security, nutrition, and affordability. With a projected population increase from 900,000 to nearly two million by 2050, the city is focusing on food production, distribution, and access. A new multistakeholder platform, the Dodoma City Food Systems Multi-Stakeholder Platform (FS-MSP), has been launched to coordinate efforts across the food chain.

The platform was established through collaboration between the Dodoma City Council and stakeholders under the Growing Together project, implemented by Rikolto through IDH. It will cover the food chain from production, transportation, and storage to processing, marketing, and consumption. Mayor Alimwoni Chaula emphasized that food system issues require joint efforts from the government, private sector, civil society, academic and research institutions, producers, processors, and food entrepreneurs.

Dodoma currently depends significantly on food supplies from other regions, including Mbeya, Iringa, and Kilimanjaro. The platform will provide a mechanism for coordination, collaboration, and dialogue, bringing together knowledge, resources, and expertise to address challenges across the food chain. Mayor Chaula stated that stakeholders have already assessed the city's food system, identified challenges and opportunities, and developed a shared vision for improving food security and nutrition.

The platform aims to promote evidence-based decision-making, stimulate investment and innovation, reduce food losses, and strengthen the city's resilience to climate change and rapid urbanization. Mayor Chaula emphasized that the success of this platform will depend on the participation of every stakeholder, while the City Council will continue to provide cooperation and an enabling environment.

Rikolto East Africa Executive Director Kaini Mbanda noted that long food distribution chains involving several intermediaries can increase prices before commodities reach consumers. The platform will explore ways of improving distribution to ensure food reaches consumers at affordable prices. Mbanda added that Dodoma must plan early to feed nearly two million residents by 2050.

Platform consultant Owen Nelson stated that the establishment of the platform follows an assessment conducted last year to identify barriers to food production and distribution in Dodoma. One recommendation was to review existing laws governing food production and distribution in cities to ensure they supported a sustainable urban food system. This will help strengthen food-system governance, improve markets and distribution, and expand access to nutritious food.

The new platform is expected to have a positive impact on food security in Dodoma, enabling the city to address challenges across the food chain and provide affordable and nutritious food to its growing population. The city's efforts to strengthen its food system will be crucial in ensuring the well-being of its residents.

Key points

• The Dodoma City Food Systems Multi-Stakeholder Platform aims to improve food security, nutrition, and affordability in the city.
• The platform will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to coordinate efforts across the food chain.
• The city's population is projected to nearly double to two million by 2050, emphasizing the need for a sustainable food system.