~ 14 ~ The Pharma Innovation Journal 2023; 12(4): 14-20 ISSN (E): 2277-7695 ISSN (P): 2349-8242 NAAS Rating: 5.23 TPI 2023; 12(4): 14-20 © 2023 TPI www.thepharmajournal.com Received: 19-01-2023 Accepted: 23-02-2023 Paul Saidia Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Ukiriguru P.O Box 1433, Mwanza, Tanzania Caresma Chuwa Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Ukiriguru P.O Box 1433, Mwanza, Tanzania Margaret David Natai Ministry of Agriculture, P.O Box 2182, Dodoma, Dodoma Corresponding Author: Caresma Chuwa Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Ukiriguru P.O Box 1433, Mwanza, Tanzania Assessment of dietary diversity among smallholder farmers in contribution to household food, nutrition and income security at Misungwi district in Mwanza region, Lake Zone of Tanzania Paul Saidia, Caresma Chuwa and Margaret David Natai Abstract The study was conducted in Misungwi district in Mwanza Region, Lake Zone, Tanzania, to assess dietary diversity in the contribution of household food, nutrition, and income security among smallholder farmers. Focus group discussions in ten farmers’ groups of 39 farmers were conducted whereby a total of 390 smallholder farmers from three Agricultural Marketing Co-operatives (AMCOS) in Nguge, Igongwa, and Igenge were involved in the focus group discussions. 100% of smallholder farmers used firewood for the preparation of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 100% used one bowl for washing hands before eating. 97% prepared thin porridge with or without sugar as breakfast, and the rest of the household (3%) consumed plain rice or boiled sweet potato slices (michembe or matobolwa) with black tea or drinking water. 92% of farmers prepared boiled sweet potatoes (michembe or matobolwa) with commercial juices or drinking water, 8% prepared a blend of rice and pulses (mseto) or deshelled maize and pulses (kande) as lunch, and 94% prepared stiff porridge saved with pulses, sardines, or vegetables, while 6% prepared rice or stiff porridge saved with beef or chicken as dinner. 97% of farmers had little knowledge of a balanced diet, while% had no idea about a balanced diet. 90% of the household used cotton as a cash crop as a source of income, and the rest 10% sold food crops, livestock, and other products to generate income in the household. An alternative source of cooking to rescue the environment and minimize global warming's consequences is required. Food processing and preservation techniques are important to improve varieties, longevity, and accessibility in line with good WASH practices to assure health, nutrition, and income for smallholder farmers in Misungwi. Keywords: Smallholder farmers, food, income, nutrition, livestock and dietary diversity Introduction Food is an integral part of life that, when consumed in the right proportion and in a diversified manner, keeps the human body healthy. It provides important nutrient components, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, water, fibre, and phytochemicals, which are very important for body growth, development, and protection against diseases. The requirement of food for the body depends upon various aspects such as gender, age group, and physical activities throughout a lifetime (Chuwa, 2022) [1] . Eating healthy foods with varieties of nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals will boost our immune system and prevent us from chronic diseases including cancer, osteoporosis, overweight and obesity, cardiovascular disease, strokes, Alzheimer's, etc (Chuwa et al., 2021) [2] . There is no specific food group that provides all the essential nutrients except breast milk during the first six months of life. Therefore, a person needs to consume a healthy diet from all food groups (Labadarios et al., 2011) [3] . A recent study shows that dietary diversity is an alternative measure of nutritional adequacy and food security in the household (Leonard et al., 2020) [4]. Nutritional security refers to the adequate consumption of different food groups to maintain a balanced diet and meet daily nutrient needs (Habte and Krawinkel, 2016) [5] . (FAO, 2001) [6] states that food security exists when all people at all times are able to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences, thus ensuring an active and healthy life. (USAID, 2012) [7] proclaims that food security exists when every person has stable and continuous access to different foods of good quality that are safe, affordable, and available in sufficient amounts. A non-diversified diet, on the other hand, can harm a person's health and development by impairing physical capacity, lowering immunity, and raising their susceptibility to illness.