This thesis addresses the problem of micronutrient deficiency in Africa. It looks
at the limited choice of foodstuffs available to many Africans, with special
reference to Tanzania, and links this to specific common deficiencies including
iron, iodine and vitamin A. It highlights the severe, sometimes fatal consequences
of deficiency, including the deaths from scurvy of hundreds of thousands of
sailors as a result of Vitamin C deficiency, and continuing child mortality from
common diseases such as measles as a result of Vitamin A deficiency in
developing countries. The thesis proposes a means by which young Africans
might acquire information on both the significance of deficiency and the
micronutrient content of common foodstuffs via the existing English Language
curriculum used in Tanzania’s schools, and making use of desktop technology to
provide cheap teaching materials. A separate document – Appendix A – is
designed to brief teachers, providing basic information on micronutrients in a
flexible form, including pictures for use in the classroom. Appendix B offers
samples of lesson modules for students’ use. The aim is to enable young people to
leave school equipped, as both producers and consumers, to ensure the
maximum possible nutrient intake in a world becoming increasingly concerned
about the future price and availability of food.