Diet Quality and Urbanization in Mozambique
Jennifer Cairns Smart1, David Tschirley2, Francis Smart2
18357International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA.
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
|July 24, 2020
Summary
Rising incomes and urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa worsen diet quality, increasing risks of malnutrition. Farm ownership, however, improves diet quality by reducing unhealthy food purchases. Policy interventions are crucial for African cities.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Sub-Saharan Africa faces rapid food system changes due to income and urban population growth.
- Increasing demand for processed foods contributes to a double burden of malnutrition (over and undernutrition).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze drivers of diet quality in Mozambique, considering urbanization and farm ownership.
- To project future diet quality trends based on income growth and expenditure elasticities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized national household expenditure survey data.
- Employed ordinary least squares and analysis of variance regressions.
- Examined diet quality across city size, income, education, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Income growth and processed food consumption correlate with poorer diet quality.
- Urbanization, independent of income, more strongly worsens negative dietary factors.
- Farm ownership positively impacts diet quality by reducing unhealthy food consumption.
Conclusions:
- Urbanization and rising incomes pose significant challenges to improving diet quality in African cities.
- Farm ownership presents a positive factor for enhancing diet quality.
- Policy strategies are needed to mitigate negative dietary trends associated with urbanization and income growth.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
340
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
340
01:23Dietary Connections
61.1K
In biological systems, most metabolic pathways are interconnected. The cellular respiration processes that convert glucose to ATP—such as glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle—tie into those that break down other organic compounds. As a result, various foods—from apples to cheese to guacamole—end up as ATP. In addition to carbohydrates, food also contains proteins and lipids—such as cholesterol and fats. All of these organic compounds are used...
61.1K
00:48Optimal Foraging
13.1K
How animals obtain and eat their food is called foraging behavior. Foraging can include searching for plants and hunting for prey and depends on the species and environment.
13.1K
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
2.1K
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
2.1K
01:28Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
1.2K
Consuming animal-based products offers high-quality proteins that contain optimal levels and combinations of essential amino acids, crucial for tissue repair and growth. Foods like eggs, milk, fish, and most meats are a source of complete proteins. Legumes and cereals are abundant in proteins; however, they typically lack a full range of essential amino acids. As a result, they are considered incomplete protein sources. Some plant sources like soybeans, quinoa, and amaranth do contain complete...
1.2K
01:28Microbial Nutrition
878
Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
878