Zanzibar's Ministry of Education and Vocational Training is exploring a research proposal to improve schoolchildren's nutrition by incorporating marine products into school meals. The initiative, presented by international research organisation WorldFish, suggests using small fish as a potential source of essential nutrients. Small fish could be dried, ground into flour, and added to porridge served in schools. This approach aims to improve children's health, physical growth, and cognitive development.
The Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Said Abdalla Khamis, welcomed the research proposal, highlighting the potential of small fish and other marine products such as oysters, shellfish, octopus, and seaweed. Zanzibar produces large quantities of seaweed, and a factory is currently being built at Mchanga Mdogo. Mr. Khamis urged researchers to expand their work to include other marine products and assess their nutritional value. He also emphasized the importance of involving local small and medium-sized enterprises in processing small fish and seaweed.
WorldFish Zambia senior researcher Netsayi Mudege presented the findings, which examined how marine products could be incorporated into school feeding programmes. Researchers identified 32 marine products before conducting detailed safety assessments, excluding poisonous and protected species. Small fish emerged as the most suitable option for schools due to their ease of processing into flour, addressing food storage and hygiene challenges.
WorldFish Zambia senior monitoring and evaluation specialist Keagan Kakwasha highlighted the nutritional benefits of small fish, which contain essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A. Despite Zanzibar's rich marine resources, child malnutrition remains a concern. Incorporating small fish into school meals could improve nutrition among children and the wider community. The study consulted stakeholders, including fishers, teachers, and nutrition specialists.
Teachers and school administrators have backed the initiative, citing its potential to improve attendance and academic performance. Ali Abdallah Mahmud, headteacher of Kiswandui School in Unguja, said the proposal reflected Zanzibar's local conditions and could help teachers understand the nutritional benefits of fish and other marine products. He called for nutrition education to be extended to parents and madrasa institutions.
Asha Mohamed Omar, a teacher at Chwaka Primary and Preparatory School in Mkoani District, Pemba, urged the authorities to implement the programme without delay. She said the introduction of school porridge had reduced absenteeism and improved pupils' academic performance. Ms. Omar proposed including dagaa wa sena, a type of small fish found in Pemba, and employing parents to prepare the meals.
WorldFish Tanzania senior research analyst Siwema Luvanga said children spend much of their time at school, making school feeding programmes an important opportunity to improve nutrition through locally available marine products. Researchers visited 29 schools and found that only two served fish-based meals, while the rest provided porridge alone. Most stakeholders recommended supplying small fish to schools in powdered or dried form.
Key points
- Zanzibar's Ministry of Education considers incorporating marine products into school meals to improve nutrition.
- Small fish are identified as a potential source of essential nutrients for schoolchildren.
- The initiative aims to improve children's health, physical growth, and cognitive development.
