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Imprint
Food environments in Africa: Addressing Malnutrition using a Syndemics Approach (Food-SAMSA)
Project
Project code: 2820FENV08
Contract period: 01.11.2021
- 30.11.2024
Budget: 1,168,116 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: away-from-home catering, nutrition, nutrition education, food pattern, nutritional information/recommendation, food security, malnutrition, health promotion, human nutrition, knowledge transfer, networking
The present project aims to address the co-occurrence of malnutrition in all its forms, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overnutrition and obesity with a systemic multi-level approach. The aim is to change the food environment on the policy, community and interpersonal levels such that a sufficient and well-balanced diet is achievable, simple to attain and attractive for all. The geographic focus is Sub-Sahara Africa with South Africa at the core. Existing approaches to improve nutrition mostly target one form of malnutrition exclusively. However, in many low- and middle-income countries the different forms of malnutrition and related diseases co-exist and interact. For example, undernutrition during childhood can increase the risk for overnutrition and obesity among adults. The term 'double burden of malnutrition' has been coined for this phenomenon. Internationally, it is increasingly recognized that the various forms of malnutrition need to be examined and addressed synergistically to meet these challenges. Within this project, existing methodological approaches will be build to improve food environments on the policy-, community- and interpersonal in a comprehensive approach to address malnutrition in all its forms. In doing so, specific conditions will be considered that are typical of countries of the Global South, such as the presence of a formal and informal sector. Subsequently, these approaches will be piloted and evaluated in South Africa. Furthermore, existing regional networks will be expanded to support and foster food system research and evidence-based policy action for improving food environments in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Section overview
Subjects
- Market Analysis/Marketing Strategy
- Physiology of Nutrition
- Nutritional behaviour
