PhD defence Victoria von Salmuth
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Onno C.P. van Schayck, Prof. Dr Anita C.E. Vreugdenhil
Keywords: Double burden of malnutrition, Mother–child dyad, Local nutrition solutions, Social enterprises
"Bridging global guidelines and local realities: Context specific approaches to malnutrition treatment and prevention in rural Tanzania"
This thesis explored how malnutrition can be better understood, prevented, and treated in rural Tanzania. While child undernutrition remains a major problem, overweight and obesity are also increasing, creating a double burden of malnutrition. The research emphasised the close connection between maternal and child nutrition, examining how interventions focused on mothers can improve nutrition and health outcomes in their infants. It also looked beyond medical care to understand how poverty, food availability, cultural beliefs, family practices, and access to services influence nutrition.
The thesis investigated practical, locally developed approaches, including locally produced therapeutic food, soybean-based nutrition, and household vegetable bag-gardens, as well as the potential of social enterprises to support sustainable solutions. Overall, the research shows that malnutrition is complex and cannot be addressed through a single intervention. Global recommendations need to be adapted to local realities, taking into account the child, mother, family, community, and wider environment.
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