New platform set to boost food security in Dodoma

DODOMA: DODOMA is strengthening its food system to improve food security, nutrition and affordability as the city prepares for a sharp population increase, with residents projected to nearly double from about 900,000 currently to nearly two million by 2050.

The expected growth has placed food production, distribution and access at the centre of the city’s long-term planning, prompting the launch of a multistakeholder platform to coordinate efforts across the food chain.

Launching the Dodoma City Food Systems Multi-Stakeholder Platform (FS-MSP) yesterday, Dodoma City Mayor Alimwoni Chaula said rapid urbanisation and rising food demand required a sustainable, inclusive and resilient food system.

“Food system issues cannot be addressed by one person. They require joint efforts involving the government, private sector, civil society, academic and research institutions, producers, processors and food entrepreneurs,” he said.

Mayor Chaula said the initiative was particularly important because Dodoma depended significantly on food supplies from other regions, including Mbeya, Iringa and Kilimanjaro.

He said the platform would provide a mechanism for coordination, collaboration and dialogue, bringing together knowledge, resources and expertise to address challenges 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.

**ALSO READ: **Bayer intensifies farmer sensitization campaign to strengthen food security, agri resilience in Morogoro

Mayor Chaula said stakeholders had already assessed the city’s food system, identified challenges and opportunities and developed a shared vision for improving food security and nutrition.

He said the platform would promote evidence-based decision-making, stimulate investment and innovation, reduce food losses and strengthen the city’s resilience to climate change and rapid urbanisation. “The success of this platform will depend on the participation of every stakeholder, while the City Council will continue providing cooperation and an enabling environment,” he said.

Rikolto East Africa Executive Director Kaini Mbanda said long food distribution chains involving several intermediaries could increase prices before commodities reached consumers.

“By the time food reaches the consumer, you may find that its price has increased,” he said, adding that the platform would explore ways of improving distribution to ensure food reached consumers at affordable prices.

Mr Mbanda said Dodoma had to plan early to feed nearly two million residents by 2050, adding that the platform could strengthen food-system governance, improve markets and distribution, reduce food losses and expand access to nutritious food regardless of income.

Earlier, platform consultant Owen Nelson said its establishment followed an assessment conducted last year to identify barriers to food production and distribution in Dodoma.

He said one recommendation was to review existing laws governing food production and distribution in cities to ensure they supported a sustainable urban food system.

The post New platform set to boost food security in Dodoma appeared first on Daily News.