Tropentag, September 11 - 13, 2024, Vienna "Explore opportunities... for managing natural resources and a better life for all"

Improving food environments for better nutrition and good health – presentation and discussion of project results

¹Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), Division 123, Research and Innovation, Coordination of Research Area, Germany
²Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), Division 624, International Projects, Twinning, Germany

Abstract

The human right to adequate food guides the international engagement of BMEL. As such, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) funding instrument “International Research Cooperation for Global Food Security and Nutrition” has its focus on research for better nutrition achieving the human right to adequate food. BMEL fosters via this instrument more resilient food systems and environments by funding trans- and interdisciplinary research projects that co-create needs-oriented knowledge and elaborate inputs for relevant stakeholders. The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) acts as executing agency,
Food environments influence food choices. Increasing accessibility of ultra-processed foods and nutrition transition, increase the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. In addition, current food systems often fail to provide healthy, sustainable and affordable choices for everyone.
Changing the structure of food environments, hence, affects local consumption behaviour patterns. Reflecting these complex and multiple correlations, BMEL launched the research call “Food Environments for improved nutrition” in 2019. Based on this call, seven international research consortia currently receive funding. During this BMEL Session, three of them will present their research results regarding options to enhance food environments for improved nutrition and health outcomes.
The following researchers have been selected to present their respective project:

1. Merle Müller-Hansen, Augsburg University, Germany, project “App-and consumer-based change of food environments for better nutrition and health in India (NutriAIDE)”


2. Victoria Kariathi, Sokoine University of Agriculture and Msabila Damian Charles, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, project “Behaviour change to healthy food consumption and physical activity to address the triple burden of malnutrition in a rural-urban comparative study in Tanzania (FoCo-Active)”


3. Dr. Georges Djohy, University of Parakou, Benin, project “Enhancing women’s agency in navigating changing food environments to improve child nutrition in African drylands (NaviNut)”

Keywords: Consumer behaviour, dietary preferences, food environments, nutrition for health, resilient food systems and income, triple burden of malnutrition, women and youth

Contact Address: Helen Laqua, Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), Unit 334 - Climate, Global Food Security, International Cooperation, Deichmanns Aue 29, 53179 Bonn, Germany, e-mail: helen.laquable.de