Fruit and vegetables for sustainable healthy diets: policy and political economy analysis in Tanzania

This study aimed to analyse how political factors, institutions and governance influence the prioritisation, formulation and implementation of fruit and vegetables (F&V)-related policies in Tanzania, where - like in many low- and middle-income countries - consumption is low, but there is limited priority and action for F&V in food policies across sectors.

We undertook a qualitative policy analysis based on policy process and political economy theories. Data were collected using key-informant interviews (n 25) and review of thirty-one policy documents between 2022 and 2023. We used a purposive sampling approach to identify respondents who were knowledgeable about F&V policies. Policy information relevant to F&V food systems was extracted to a matrix. Interview data were coded and processed in Quirkos software based on theory and the aims of the study.

Tanzania, sub-Saharan Africa.

Key stakeholders who are knowledgeable about policy-making and implementation related to F&V.

The findings show a cross-sectoral action on F&V and highlight opportunities to strengthen policy coordination, stakeholder engagement and support for smallholder farmers. The promotion of sustainable, healthy diets necessitates improving access to financing, safe production promotion, market access and increased consumption through public campaigns.

F&V are critical but neglected in Tanzania's nutrition policy agenda. Despite their roles in healthy diets being increasingly recognised, the F&V subsector is marginalised by priority staple food, fragmented mandates and poor coordination. Policy coherence, governance and fiscal and market support need to be enhanced to place F&V as a strategic lever of sustainable healthy diets.