By Thabisani Dube

Zimbabwe’s food landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Urbanisation, economic shifts, and the growing influence of global food systems significantly reshape dietary patterns, access to food, and overall nutritional health. Traditional diets, once rich in whole grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables, increasingly give way to processed and packaged foods. This evolution brings both opportunities and challenges.

The shift from wholesome, home-cooked meals to convenient, processed options creates a paradox in Zimbabwe’s nutritional landscape. As families grapple with rising costs and busy lifestyles, they face a dual burden of malnutrition: under nutrition and over nutrition coexist. According to the World Food Programme, 27 percent of children under five in Zimbabwe suffer from stunted growth, reflecting chronic malnutrition.

A Country at a Crossroads: The Dual Burden of Malnutrition

Economic hardships have made traditional meals less accessible for many families. The rising cost of staples like maize meal and fresh vegetables forces households towards cheaper, processed alternatives that lack essential nutrients. As 38 per cent of Zimbabweans now live in cities, according to the World Migration Report, urbanisation drives the rise of fast-food consumption, with ready-made meals becoming the norm. These nutrient-poor foods lead to excessive calorie intake and diet-related illnesses.

Thirty-eight-year-old Nyasha Moyo from Harare reflects this trend. “I used to prepare sadza and vegetables almost daily, but now fast food is quicker and cheaper. My kids enjoy it, but I worry about their health.” Nyasha’s experience highlights the tension between convenience and health that many urban families face.

Expert Insights: Nutrition and Health Risks

Rumbidzai Mukori, a registered nutritionist and holistic health coach, warns about the dangers of processed foods. “Fast foods, high in trans fats, trigger inflammatory responses in the body,” she says. “These foods contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.”

Mukori said according to a 2021 WHO report, the most common illnesses are stroke and lower respiratory infections. “Of concern are the increasing cases of diet-related non-communicable disease, which targets 27.9 percent of women and 5.6 percent of men who are living with obesity. At the same time, diabetes is estimated to affect 8.1 percent of adult women and 7.3 percent of adult men.”

She added:  “According to a Global Nutrition report, gastritis or ulcers, is also another common diet related illness, which affects close to 3 in 10 of patients we observe weekly.”

Mukori elaborates on the neurological consequences. “Processed foods can manipulate serotonin levels in the brain, leading to cravings and dependency. Over time, this disrupts natural serotonin regulation, potentially worsening mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.” Her insights underscore the broader mental health risks associated with these dietary shifts.

Ruvimbo Danda, a registered dietitian, builds on Mukori’s observations. “The Global Nutrition Report 2022 links diets low in essential nutrients with increased risks of chronic diseases,” she notes. “This data aligns with Zimbabwe’s experience and underscores the urgent need for dietary interventions.” Danda emphasises that obesity amplifies these risks, creating a dangerous health spiral.

Success Stories and Local Initiatives

Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe has taken steps to address its nutritional issues. Traditional foods like sadza, nyemba, and muboora have gained prominence through events like the Traditional Cookout Competition, hosted by the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. These events celebrate Zimbabwean cuisine while promoting healthier eating habits.

Urban farming initiatives in Harare and Bulawayo improve food security and access to fresh produce. Organisations like the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society bridge the gap between food waste and hunger through food redistribution programmes, helping those in need while reducing waste.

The Food Industry’s Role

Supermarkets and fast-food chains increasingly dominate Zimbabwe’s urban food market, offering affordable but often unhealthy options. A study from the University of Zimbabwe in 2024 revealed that processed foods now account for 60 per cent of urban diets, with sugary snacks particularly popular among children. Aggressive marketing campaigns glamourise these products, influencing dietary choices, especially among young people.

Counter-marketing efforts promoting traditional, nutrient-dense foods could help reverse these trends. Highlighting the affordability and health benefits of local dishes through social media and community outreach can shift consumer preferences positively.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing Zimbabwe’s complex nutritional challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Government policies should focus on improving food security while promoting healthier diets through education and regulation. Some potential solutions include:

Nutritional Education: Schools and public health campaigns should educate citizens on balanced diets and the risks of processed foods.

Regulating Food Marketing: Stricter guidelines on unhealthy food advertising, especially to children, can curb the rise of processed food consumption.

Support for Local Farmers: Encouraging local agriculture and making traditional, nutrient-rich foods more affordable can reduce reliance on imported and processed foods.

Improving Food Access in Schools: Ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals through school feeding programmes can reduce dependency on unhealthy street food vendors.

Taxation on Sugary Drinks and Junk Food: Similar to policies in other countries, taxing unhealthy food products can discourage excessive consumption while generating revenue for public health initiatives.

Zimbabwe stands at a critical juncture where global food trends, economic challenges, and local innovation intersect. While the proliferation of processed foods threatens public health, the country’s rich culinary heritage and proactive initiatives offer hope. By embracing tailored strategies and leveraging its unique strengths, Zimbabwe can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all its citizens.