Policy Brief: Making the Tanzania National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP) Actionable at the Grassroots Level
DOWNLOADDecember 9, 2024 - Dr. John M. Msuya
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EmailThis policy brief reviews the Tanzania National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP), introduced in 2016 to coordinate multisectoral efforts against malnutrition. While the NMNAP has seen success at district, regional, and national levels, implementation at ward, village, and mtaa levels remains weak.
Key Challenges:
- Unclear Indicators: Lack of measurable indicators for sector-specific contributions limits evaluation and accountability.
- Data Limitations: Poor capacity for data collection, processing, and interpretation hinders evidence-based decision-making at local levels.
- Budget Constraints: Rural councils face limited revenue sources, affecting nutrition planning and resource allocation.
- Poor Engagement: Nutrition is rarely a standing agenda item in sub-council meetings, despite NMNAP guidelines.
Recommendations:
- Establish formal nutrition roles within local government structures to coordinate activities.
- Sensitize policymakers to the importance of data-driven decisions and extend budgets for capacity-building.
- Develop measurable, sector-specific nutrition indicators for better assessment and accountability.
- Advocate for granular data collection at the ward and village levels to inform targeted public health actions.
Conclusion:
The NMNAP’s success requires strengthening grassroots implementation through better coordination, clear metrics, and increased resource allocation. These measures will ensure the plan’s objectives are achieved equitably across Tanzania.
