(African Economic Research Consortium, 2023-07) Martin, Julius Chegere; Kauky, Monica Sebastian
The consumption of nutrient-rich foods is sensitive to changes in income and price shocks, especially for low-income consumers. This study employs Tanzania National Panel Survey data to explore the linkage between agricultural marketing, dietary diversity and nutrition status in Tanzania. Findings reveal that market orientation significantly affect dietary diversity for lower income groups, while for the whole sample, the effect is indirect through overall income. Household dietary diversity significantly correlates with a lower probability of child stunting, which becomes insignificant when overall income is controlled; and female education and overall income have significant effects on dietary diversity and child nutrition. The findings suggest a judicious use of money obtained from the sales of agricultural products.