This study was conducted to analyze available information on the role of indigenous knowledge, from a gender perspective, in the utilization of wild foods and other non-timber forest products for household food security in Tanzania. The study aimed to provide sufficient knowledge to influence policy formulation and educational processes.
The specific objectives of the study were the following: first, to examine issues of availability and dependence on wild foods and other non-timber forest products for household food security in the country; second, to analyze the differences between indigenous knowledge possessed by women and men regarding the collection, preparation, and use of wild foods and other non-timber forest products; and third, to highlight the importance and challenges facing non-timber forest products in ensuring household food security.
Information from various authorities was carefully analyzed to achieve the intended objectives. The available data show that there are various types of wild foods and non-timber forest products that are important for household food security. These products contribute either directly or indirectly to food security—directly through consumption of wild foods and indirectly through income generation for households.
The study revealed that both women and men possess indigenous knowledge related to the collection, selection, preparation, storage, and use of wild foods. Furthermore, it was found that non-timber forest products are especially important during times of food shortages. The nutritional value of wild foods is high and, in some cases, even superior to certain expensive cultivated foods.
Despite these advantages, the effective utilization of non-timber forest products faces major challenges, including deforestation, lack of proper forest ownership and management systems, and socio-economic disparities among users of these resources.
However, there is still potential to improve the use of non-timber forest products for sustainable household food security. This includes reforming forest ownership systems to incorporate valuable non-timber products, encouraging the planting of fruit trees on farms, providing market support, and promoting small-scale forestry projects.
Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that indigenous knowledge, from a gender perspective, plays a crucial role in the selection, collection, and preparation of wild foods. While women tend to have expertise in direct utilization activities, men are more involved in income-generating aspects of non-timber forest products. It can also be concluded that wild foods have satisfactory nutritional value and can serve as alternatives to expensive cultivated foods. Additionally, the increasing influence of modern lifestyles presents a major obstacle to the use of non-timber forest products for household food security.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors of this report wish to express their sincere gratitude to Ms. Missano, the National Coordinator of the LINKS Project at the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, for her significant contribution of information. The authors also highly appreciate the cooperation received from the staff of the University of Dar es Salaam Library, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Institute of Resource Assessment (IRA) at the University of Dar es Salaam, and the Institute of Traditional Medicine at Muhimbili University College for providing valuable information that supported this study.
Special thanks are extended to Mr. W.S. Masayanyika from the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) and A.R. Mhinte from the Department of Agricultural Economics at Sokoine University of Agriculture for their substantial technical and professional contributions to this work. Their efforts made it possible for this work to reach its current level.
We also acknowledge the cooperation received from the administration of Sokoine University of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. This work would not have been successful without the technical and financial support provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Special thanks go to Mr. Lars Otto Naess, senior academic officer, who was always ready to offer assistance.
Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to our secretaries, Grace Myinga and Catherine Mtenda, for their outstanding efforts in typing and preparing this document efficiently. To everyone who contributed in one way or another to this work, we express our heartfelt thanks.