Amplifying consumer voices to demand healthier and sustainable diets in a changing food environment in Tanzania

Nutrition challenges in Tanzania are linked to the accessibility, affordability and consumption of healthy and safe foods. There are limited opportunities for citizens to access relevant information, articulate their needs and demands and engage in dialogue with policymakers, particularly for historically marginalized groups and communities. In contrast, food and beverage companies spend an increasing amount of money on marketing and policy influencing, thus having a significant impact on food consumption patterns. There is a need to provide consumers with tools with which they can better understand and advocate for access and availability of healthy diets.

This project will generate evidence on the effectiveness of different media platforms and formats in reaching specific audiences and influencing change at multiple levels. At the consumer level, this would be by increasing consumer access to information and platforms for influencing the food environment. At the media practitioner level, this is through strengthening understanding and partnerships around nutrition and food systems-related content. At the civil society and research practitioner level, this is by demonstrating evidence-based best practice on delivering social and behavioural change communication with communities. The project team will ensure partnership with vulnerable and marginalized consumer audiences so that the information and engagement can be most accessible and relevant for them.

This project is funded through the Catalyzing Change for Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems initiative, a co-funding partnership between IDRC and The Rockefeller Foundation.