Dr Dorothy Tembo

Food insecurity is persistent in Malawi, even during years of high food productivity. Generally, Malawians make their food choices based on faith, culture and local traditions.

Traditional prescriptions constrain most Christians in Malawi regarding what should be consumed and, more importantly, how food should be produced and processed. Muslims adhere to halal food regulations. These practices have significantly influenced the availability of food, which in turn influences the health and well-being of individuals. This influence extends from food production to accessibility, diet, preferences and stability. In a country where food and resources are scarce, food and nutrition security cannot be adequately addressed without considering cultural and religious practices.

Dr Dorothy Tembo’s Future Africa Research Leader Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) research project is titled ‘Faith and food in rural Malawi’. Theological and religious studies are not done in a vacuum; instead, they aim to improve people’s lives. Food insecurity is a multifaceted problem that can adversely affect human well-being, including child and maternal health, the quality of children’s education, and family participation in productive work. This situation threatens the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The multidimensional nature of culture and religion means that plans for achieving household food and nutrition security will be successful only if these underlying causes are adequately understood and included in national policies.

Dr Tembo will evaluate the similarities and differences in food and nutrition security between Islamic, Christian and indigenous beliefs and practices, and critically investigate how local diets can prevent malnutrition. The study will also explore how ideas govern critical phases of human life, such as pregnancy and infancy. Dr Tembo’s approach draws from cultural studies, religion and human ecology to understand the intersection between religion and culture and food systems as sites for negotiations rather than as competing forces.