USAID Advancing Nutrition is working with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC) to generate evidence on women’s diets through a qualitative study on food taboos and preferences among women of reproductive age, including pregnant women and adolescents, in mainland Tanzania. The aim of this study is to provide information on food preferences, as well as barriers and enablers to positive food and nutrition behaviors to inform social and behavior change messaging and programming to ultimately improve diets and nutrition among women in Tanzania.

Throughout the development of this activity, USAID Advancing Nutrition worked closely with TFNC to develop a protocol for a qualitative study among women of reproductive age, including caregivers of children aged 6–24 months, and adolescent girls aged 15–19 in the seven zones of mainland Tanzania. Researchers collected data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gain detailed insights into the food practices, preferences, and social norms that influence dietary intake.

USAID Advancing Nutrition and TFNC will share reports from this work with the Government of Tanzania, USAID, researchers in the field, and the public to help inform the design of nutrition, social and behavior change programming for women and adolescent girls.