SASS EU PROJECT - THE POWER OF AMARANTH AND COWPEA

Short research documentary series in Tanzania for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Strategies (SASS) a project by ECDPM Europe and Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli
In Tanzania, growing and eating indigenous vegetables – meaning those plants that have been traditionally cultivated and consumed in a specific area – could be very beneficial for producers and consumers alike. Yet, many of them made it to the list of neglected species. In a country heavily affected by malnutrition, indigenous vegetables – which are highly nutritious and grow easily and abundantly – would be expected to figure on policymakers’ agendas. However, our two-year research on the realities surrounding the production and consumption of indigenous vegetables in Arusha has shown that it is not the case.
The research into the world of indigenous vegetables and how they are (or not) integrated into the Arushan food system led us to talk to small-scale farmers, researchers and government officials. We share their stories and views in this series of short documentaries shot by Fulvio Montano with the help of ECDPM’s Paulina Bizzotto Molina.