Improved Solar Drying of Vitamin A-rich Foods by Women's Groups in the Singida District of Tanzania

This report summarizes the findings from the intervention research project implemented from 1995-98 in Tanzania by the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC). The focus of the study was to promote the adoption of improved home-based solar dryers as a means to enhance nutritional quality of vitamin A-rich foods and consumption of those foods by young children. The dryers were adapted from earlier models based on women’s suggestions to provide options in terms of dryer size and construction materials. Community members provided all the materials for constructing their household dryers. Local artisans were trained to assist household members in constructing and maintaining the dryers. Nutrition and health education was used to stimulate demand for the dryers and consumption of the nutritionally improved value added dried foods. Women were trained in business management practices to enhance their net income through marketing vitamin A-rich dried food products. (excerpt)