Food-Basket Intervention to Reduce Micronutrient Deficiencies among Maasai-Pregnant Women in Tanzania: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Naelijwa Mshanga, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
Haikael Martin, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology.
Pammla Petrucka, University of Sasktchewan

Micronutrients are comprised of vitamin and mineral nutrients which are needed during pregnancy for fetal growth, development, and maturation. However, micronutrient rich foods (vegetables and fruits) are lacking in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area due to restrictions on cultivation in conservation areas. This study introduced a food basket intervention and assessed the effectiveness of the food baskets in addressing micronutrients deficiencies among pregnant Maasai women within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The quasi-experimental study included Misigiyo ward as a control group and Olbalbal ward as an intervention group. The study assessed hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and retinol at baseline and during follow-up and found a statistically significant increase in serum retinol (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Moreover, baseline serum retinol was positively associated with the follow-up serum retinol. The food basket intervention holds promise in reducing micronutrients deficiency, especially in communities where micronutrient rich foods are scarce.