Urban physical food environments drive dietary behaviours in Ghana and Kenya: A photovoice study
Rebecca Pradeilles, Ana Irache, Milka Wanjohi, Michelle Holdsworth, Amos Laar, Francis Zotor, Akua Tandoh, Senam Klomegah, Fiona Graham, Stella Muthuri, Elizabeth Kimani‐Murage, Nathaniel Coleman, Mark Green, Hibbah Osei-Kwasi, Marco Bohr, Emily K. Rousham, Gershim Asiki, Robert Akparibo, Kobby Mensah, Richmond Aryeetey, Nicolas Bricas, Paula Griffiths
Abstract
We identified factors in the physical food environment that influence dietary behaviours among low-income dwellers in three African cities (Nairobi, Accra, Ho). We used Photovoice with 142 males/females (≥13 years). In the neighbourhood environment, poor hygiene, environmental sanitation, food contamination and adulteration were key concerns. Economic access was perceived as a major barrier to accessing nutritionally safe and healthy foods. Home gardening supplemented household nutritional needs, particularly in Nairobi. Policies to enhance food safety in neighbourhood environments are required. Home gardening, food pricing policies and social protection schemes could reduce financial barriers to safe and healthy diets.