Hidden hunger-related stunting remains a nutritional problem in Gokwe regardless of the introduction of several of both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive food-based approaches. Mandatory Large Scale Food Fortification was introduced in Zimbabwe in 2016 with an effort to address hidden hunger-related stunting but the stunting rates remain still high in Gokwe South District. The study was meant to assess the extent to which large scale food fortification including bio-fortification have been contributing towards hidden hunger reduction in Gokwe South. The study used a three-pronged approach by first looking at the availability and accessibility of fortified food vehicles on the market followed by conducting a household survey focusing on coverage and utilization of fortified foods by communities in Gokwe South checking knowledge, attitude and practice. The last part of the study looked at checking compliance to fortification standards by conducting Vitamin A analysis of five samples of maize meal with fortification claim. The study revealed that there is a wide range of fortifiable food commodities on the market with a very efficient distribution system as fortified food products are readily found across the whole District.
Under-fortification of food commodities has been noticed among most maize meal brands with fortification claim, coupled with the limited demand and knowledge of the Gokwe South community towards fortified foods. Consumption and utilization of fortified foods have the potential to increase and avert stunting in Gokwe South District as the larger part of the population has access to fortifiable food products. A robust monitoring and evaluation system needs to be established and maintained on fortified food products covering both regulatory monitoring and household monitoring. There is also the need to address drivers of basic and underlying causes of hidden hunger namely poverty and unsustainable livelihoods to ensure better performance of food fortification interventions. Multi-sectorial approaches to stunting reduction are greatly encouraged.
