How Livelihood Change Affects Food Choice Behaviors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Nutritional Science
• Sociology

Background:

• Livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have undergone rapid transformation.
• These livelihood shifts coincide with significant changes in household and individual food choice behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize the mechanisms through which livelihood changes influence food choice behaviors in LMIC.
• To explore impacts on food production, acquisition, preparation, distribution, and consumption.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of literature was conducted across four databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, AGRICOLA, Embase) and enhanced by expert input.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies measuring livelihood change and its effect on food choice in LMIC, excluding migration to high-income countries.
• 53 out of 433 identified articles met the inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• Five key mechanisms linking livelihood changes to food choices were identified: occupation, locality, time, income, and social relations.
• Occupation shifts affected food availability and affordability; location, time, and income influenced purchasing and preparation.
• Social relationships and norms expanded food preferences, with time constraints and increased income linked to ultra-processed food consumption.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the nexus between livelihood dynamics and food choices in LMIC is essential for developing effective policies.
• Interventions can promote sustainable healthy diets and planetary health by addressing these identified mechanisms.
• The findings highlight the interconnectedness of socioeconomic factors and dietary patterns in LMIC.