Household Food Consumption Research Articles

Dietary patterns derived using principal component analysis and associations with sociodemographic characteristics and overweight and obesity: A cross-sectional analysis of Iranian adults.

This study examined the cross-sectional association between household dietary patterns and sociodemographic characteristics and BMI in a nationally representative sample of Iranian adults. Data on 6,833 households (n = 17,824 adults) from the National Comprehensive Study on Household Food Consumption Pattern and Nutritional Status 2001-2003 were used. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract dietary patterns from three household 24-h dietary recalls. Linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between dietary patterns and sociodemographic characteristics and BMI. Three dietary patterns were identified: the first was characterized by high citrus fruit intake, the second by high hydrogenated fats intake and the third by high non-leafy vegetables intake. The first and third patterns were associated with household heads with higher education and living in urban areas, while the second was associated with household heads with lower education and living in rural areas. All dietary patterns were positively associated with BMI. The strongest association was found with the first dietary pattern (β: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.55). While all three dietary patterns were positively associated with BMI, the sociodemographic characteristics of Iranian adults who consumed them differed. These findings inform the design of population-level dietary interventions to address rising obesity rates in Iran.

Estimating the cost and cost-effectiveness of adding zinc to, and improving the performance of, Burkina Faso's mandatory wheat flour fortification programme.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that promotes normal growth, development and immune function. In the context of persistent dietary zinc inadequacies, large-scale food fortification can help fill the gap between intake and requirements. Burkina Faso mandates wheat flour fortification with iron and folic acid. We used activity-based cost modelling to estimate the cost of adding zinc to the country's wheat flour fortification standard assuming (1) no change in compliance with the national standard, and (2) a substantial improvement in compliance. We used household food consumption data to model effective coverage, that is, the number of women of reproductive age (WRA) predicted to achieve adequate zinc density (zinc intake/1000 kcal) with the addition of fortification to diets. Without interventions, the prevalence of inadequate dietary zinc density was ~35.5%. With no change in compliance, the annual average incremental cost of adding zinc to fortified wheat flour was $10,347, which would effectively cover <1% of WRA at an incremental cost of ~$0.54/WRA effectively covered. Improving compliance added ~$300,000/year to the cost of the fortification programme without zinc; including zinc added another ~$78,000/year but only reduced inadequate intake among WRA by 3.6% at an incremental cost of ~$0.45/WRA effectively covered. Although the incremental cost of adding zinc to wheat flour is low ($0.01/wheat flour consumer/year), given low levels of wheat flour consumption, zinc fortification of wheat flour alone contributes marginally to, but will not fully close, the dietary zinc gap. Future research should explore potential contributions of zinc to a broader set of delivery vehicles.

Analyzing Diets’ Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Brasilia, Brazil

Given the effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, understanding the consumption patterns that facilitate and support changes is essential. In this context, household food consumption constitutes a large part of society’s environmental impacts due to the production and solid waste generation stages. Hence, we focus on applying the Life Cycle Assessment to estimate Brasilia’s GHG emissions associated with household food consumption. We have used microdata from the Personal Food Consumption Analysis to address consumption patterns. The life cycle approach relies on the adaptations for Brasilia’s scenario of the inventories available in the databases of Ecoinvent 3.6 Cutoff and Agribalyse 3.0.1. Individuals’ GHG emissions results were classified according to sociodemographic groups and dietary patterns and analyzed through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results indicate that household food consumption contributes 11,062.39 t CO2e daily, averaging 5.05 kg CO2e per capita. Meat consumption accounts for the largest share of emissions (55.27%), followed by beverages (18.78%) and cereals (7.29%). The ANOVA results indicate that individuals living in houses, individuals between 45 and 54 years old, and men have a higher carbon footprint. Therefore, future analyses for potential reduction should incorporate these target groups. Regarding dietary patterns, vegan individuals contribute 3.05 kg CO2e/day, 59.00% fewer emissions than omnivorous people. The no red meat, pescatarian, and vegetarian diets also imply lower food-related GHG emissions.

Food Herstories and Everyday Life in Times of Crisis. Women’s Experiences in Food Production, Distribution and Consumption

The aim of this article is to analyze women’s experiences of household food production, distribution and consumption as a response to the difficulties and challenges of daily life. The adopted perspective integrates research from food studies, historical sociology, and gender studies. The author’s intention is to discuss the multifaceted, gendered nature of food practices, highlighting their transformations, and modes of continuation. References to the analysis of alternative food networks draw attention to both contemporary and post-WWII food practices and introduce to the discussion concepts which remain important for contemporary society, e.g. community and sustainable solutions. This analysis is based on a review of literature, particularly oral histories and autobiographical accounts by both urban and rural women, and references various documented food-related activities. As demonstrated in the article, presentation of women’s food-related stories involves exploring alternatives to the scarcity economy of state socialism and contemporary anonymous mass production. These alternatives, embedded in the space of the kitchen, the farm field, or the allotment garden, are more than just coping strategies – they appeal to such values and ethical norms as mutual assistance, trust, and reciprocity. They can be interpreted through the lens of creativity and resourcefulness, as well as in terms of power relations and resistance in the context of everyday crises.

Did Household Income Loss Have an Immediate Impact on Animal-Source Foods Consumption during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 caused extensive impact on household income and foods consumption. However, little attention has been paid to the immediate impact of income loss on animal-source foods consumption in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to narrow this gap, and a total of 1301 valid samples of household food consumption surveys in Wuhan and Nanjing were obtained through specially designed online questionnaires. The surveys show that there were 69.6% (Wuhan) and 42.2% (Nanjing) of surveyed households whose animal-source foods consumption were affected, and there were 47.4% (Wuhan) and 18.9% (Nanjing) of surveyed households who suffered income loss. Furthermore, this paper makes an empirical study on the linkage between income loss and animal-source foods consumption. The results show that the pandemic affected household income, resulting in an immediate impact on animal-source foods consumption. This immediate impact may have been due to the combination of price increases, income loss and insufficient savings, which led to a "perfect storm" for animal-source foods consumption. Moreover, household income loss affected various animal-source foods consumption differently. For households suffering income losses, the odds of pork, beef and mutton, poultry, aquatic products, eggs and dairy products consumption being affected were increased by a factor of 1.894, 2.140, 2.773, 2.345, 1.802, 2.835, respectively, holding other variables constant. The results may be related to residents' consumption habits and food prices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the reduction of animal-source foods consumption may have led to a state of tension concerning an increase in the development of nutrition intake and health, which may have led to increased food security risks.

Perceptions of Moscow population about healthy nutrition and food consumption in households

Background. Nutrition is one of the most important determinants for the population health. Increasing the population commitment to a healthy lifestyle, in particular healthy nutrition, is an important state task, which includes an integrated approach: educational policy, creation of an economic, legislative and material base. Monitoring is necessary to determine the necessary areas of work and evaluate their effectiveness.&#x0D; Subject. Perceptions of Moscow population about capital about healthy eating and eating behavior. Objective. To identify the specifics of the Moscow population's perception of healthy eating and appropriate behavior, with comparison to the healthy eating norms. Methods. Authors used statistical data by Rosstat on the consumption of basic food products and telephone survey of the Moscow population, conducted by the Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of Moscow Healthcare Department (2021). 474 people were interviewed, representing the population by age and sex. Results. The majority of Muscovites (59%) consider healthy eating as abiding by nutritional principles. 22% of respondents told about the need to exclude/reduce certain foods and dishes (fatty, sweet, fried food) in their diet. 26% of respondents associate vegetables with a healthy diet, 17% named fruits, 7% mentioned meat. The study revealed insufficient consumption of 1) vegetables and melons is detected: 102.9 kg/year/person vs the recommended 140 kg/year/person; 2) fruits and berries: 80.6 kg/year/person vs the recommended 100 kg/year/person. In turn, the consumption of sugar and confectionery products is excessive: 22.1 kg/year/person vs the recommended 8 kg/year/person. Consumption of meat and processed meat is also excessive, mainly due to industrial meat products. The study correlated statistical and survey data and found a few intersecting points.&#x0D; Conclusion. In general, the population has notions of a healthy diet, but it needs to be supplemented, adjusted and systematized. In particular, eating habits of specific foods prove the need to strengthen preventive work in this area.

Local Food Diversification Development Strategy in West Sumbawa Regency

A method of food selection known as "food diversification" does not rely solely on one type of food but rather on a variety of food ingredients, starting with production, processing, distribution, and household food consumption. West Sumbawa Regency is a potential area in the development of alternative local food crops to replace rice, such as yam, corn and other tubers. This study aims 1) To determine the factors that influence local food diversification in West Sumbawa Regency 2). Formulate a strategy for developing local food diversification in West Sumbawa Regency. This study employs SWOT analysis in a descriptive manner. Results using the SWOT analysis obtained five strategies, of the five existing strategies three strategies were obtained which were prioritized, namely: 1). maximizing the utilization of land potential and local food consumption habits to support the success of food diversification, 2). Increasing human resources in producing local food variations and increasing the habit of consuming local food in anticipation of the mushrooming of restaurants with modern/imported food, 3). Creating new markets through agro-industry, in the provision of diverse and quality food so as to increase income. The conclusion is that the food diversification strategy was based on internal and external factors by analyzing opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses and generating three prioritized strategies.

Determinants of households’ food wastes in Osogbo Metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria

Globally, food wastage is a significant problem. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture organization estimate, one third of human food production is lost or wasted. Waste occurs in all parts of the value chain, from post-harvest processing through the supply chain. This study examined determinants of food waste among households in Osogbo Metropolis, Osun state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) respondents from the study area. Data were collected with structured interview schedule. Frequency counts, means, percentages, and multiple regression analysis were the major statistical tools employed in data analysis. Results of descriptive analysis of the socioeconomic characteristics reveals that majority of the respondents were middle aged, married, female public officers, with averaged sized family. Protein from plant sources and carbohydrate are the most wasted household food items in the households. Protein from plant sources and carbohydrate are the most wasted household food items in the households. Epileptic electricity supply is a major reason for household food wastages, while refrigeration is the most widely used method of preservation among the households. The study concluded that significant quantity of food is wasted among the households. Household size, household food expenditure, the quantity of food consumption, and frequency of food consumption are significant factors influencing the level of households’ food waste in the study area. Thus, strict monitoring of these variables would minimize households’ food waste in the study area.

A mixed methods assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to aflatoxin contamination and exposure among caregivers of children under 5 years in western Kenya.

Identifying factors that may influence aflatoxin exposure in children under 5 years of age living in farming households in western Kenya. We used a mixed methods design. The quantitative component entailed serial cross-sectional interviews in 250 farming households to examine crop processing and conservation practices, household food storage and consumption and local understandings of aflatoxins. Qualitative data collection included focus group discussions (N 7) and key informant interviews (N 13) to explore explanations of harvesting and post-harvesting techniques and perceptions of crop spoilage. The study was carried out in Asembo, a rural community where high rates of child stunting exist. A total of 250 female primary caregivers of children under 5 years of age and thirteen experts in farming and food management participated. Study results showed that from a young age, children routinely ate maize-based dishes. Economic constraints and changing environmental patterns guided the application of sub-optimal crop practices involving early harvest, poor drying, mixing spoiled with good cereals and storing cereals in polypropylene bags in confined quarters occupied by humans and livestock and raising risks of aflatoxin contamination. Most (80 %) smallholder farmers were unaware of aflatoxins and their harmful economic and health consequences. Young children living in subsistence farming households may be at risk of exposure to aflatoxins and consequent ill health and stunting. Sustained efforts to increase awareness of the risks of aflatoxins and control measures among subsistence farmers could help to mitigate practices that raise exposure.

What effect has Covid-19 had on changing household food consumption? A case study of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Four waves of the Covid-19 epidemic have drastically affected consumer behaviors in Vietnam, particularly during the period of social distancing in the second half of 2021. This study was done to investigate changes in household food acquisition and consumption patterns in Ho Chi Minh City. During the most severe wave of Covid-19 in Vietnam, an online poll was used to collect data from 130 customers in Ho Chi Minh City. Before Covid-19 (before January 2021), food was primarily purchased from traditional markets and other direct methods. After Covid-19 occurred (since January 2021), changes in food acquisition methods were found as 52% of respondents went to the grocery stores, traditional markets, and supermarkets less often. Moreover, consumers have changed their online shopping behaviors as 48% bought more food online compared to pre-Covid-19 periods. Since Covid-19, surveyed households consumed less food, specifically fresh produce (44.6%), fast food (60.8%), canned food (37.7%), prepped meals (60.8%), grains (43.1%), and snacks (43.8%). In opposition, more frozen foods (46%) and more meat (47%) were consumed since the pandemic. From the estimated ordinal probit regression, the study found that the determinants that most explain changes in food consumption are age, household size, education, income, affected income, workplace status, and the afraid of food shortage.

Unlocking the potential of smallholder dairy farm: Evidence from the central highland of Ethiopia

Sustainable livestock farming practices have the potential to improve productivity and high income, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve household food security. Despite previous efforts to disseminate these technologies, the rate of adoption has remained very low in Ethiopia. In this study, we investigate the determinants of adoption and the impact of improved dairy farming practices (IDFP), which include improved breed, improved feed, and improved feeding conditions, on household food security in the central highland of Ethiopia. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 480 smallholder farmers from four districts. The study employed principal component analysis (PCA) to group IDFPs, and the endogenous switching regression model (MESR) was used to examine household food security status. Our findings showed that IDFP adoption had a significant and positive impact on per capita food consumption and increases the likelihood of smallholder farmers being food secure compared to non-adopters. The adoption of integrated IDFP had a greater impact on household food security when smallholder farmers used a package that incorporates improved breeds, feeds, and feeding systems (B1F1S1). The implementation of this package increased food security by 31% in terms of household food consumption score (HFCS) and 26% in terms of household diet diversity score (HDDS). Additionally, the size of livestock holdings, off-farm income, extension services, and milk collection centers all influenced the adoption decision of this package. It has been confirmed that improving dairy farming practices for sustainable development can significantly contribute to the food security of smallholder farmers when used in combination. Interventions that address access to farm resources, the supply chain for technological inputs and services, and output markets may assist in the adoption of dairy technologies.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on household diet diversity in rural Bihar, India: a longitudinal survey

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted livelihoods and diets across the world. This study aimed to assess changes in household diet diversity and food consumption between the pre-COVID-19 period (December 2019–January 2020) and during the lockdown (March–May 2020), and to identify the socio-economic characteristics that determine these changes in rural Bihar, India.MethodsHouseholds that had provided their phone numbers in the pre-COVID-19 household survey (n = 1797) were contacted for interviews during the lockdown telephonic survey in a longitudinal survey in two districts (Gaya and Nalanda) in Bihar. In total, 939 households were interviewed. Using data on food consumption from both surveys, 876 households were included in the analysis. Food and Agriculture Organization’s household diet diversity score (HDDS) was used to compare diet diversity between the pre-COVID-19 period and during the lockdown. Logistic regression was used to identify factors affecting household diet diversity and food consumption in the study households.ResultsLow diet diversity increased from 51.6% (95% CI 48.3–54.9) to 75.8% (95% CI 73.0–78.6) from the pre-COVID-19 to the lockdown period. Reduced food consumption was reported across all foods with nearly a quarter of the households reporting reduced consumption of fruits (27%), pulses (25%) and cereals (21%). Nearly 60% and above reported stopping consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as chicken, fish and eggs although the population was predominantly non-vegetarian. Logistic regression analysis revealed that taking a loan from neighbours/relatives (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3–2.5) and belonging to lower social groups (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.1–2.9) increased odds of low HDDS. While those possessing ration cards had lower odds of reduced consumption of all food items, it was not associated with stopping consumption of any food item. In an unadjusted analysis, receipt of cash transfer during lockdown was also not associated with diet diversity (OR = 1.2; 95% CI 0.9–1.7).ConclusionsCOVID-19 has impacted the consumption of nutrient-rich foods among already low-income rural households in India. Maintaining diet diversity among socio-economically vulnerable households during periods when food consumption is most threatened by shocks such as COVID-19 would need sustained government support in terms of social protection coverage and benefit transfers in rural communities.

Dietary patterns in Uganda and their influencing factors: A critical review

Improving the understanding of dietary patterns and underlying factors remains crucial in designing nutritional interventions and policy making. This review sought to provide a holistic picture of the studies covering dietary patterns in Uganda and the associated factors so as to identify gaps in existing literature and provide a basis for nutrition-sensitive interventions. A literature search for publications dating from March 2010 to 2021 was done using the terms dietary diversity, nutrient intake, food consumption and food choices in Uganda. Studies covering populations above 6 months of age, male and female, with exception of diseased populations, were screened. Because of the variability in the methodologies for assessment of dietary intake and dietary diversity, meta-analysis was not conducted. A total of 17,728 articles were found and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine of the 25 studies reported on dietary diversity indicators and their associated factors. The literature shows that diets in Uganda are mainly composed of starchy staples, especially cereals, roots, tubers and bananas, with legumes constituting the main protein source. The diets are characterized by low consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as animal protein sources. The share of food expenditure allocated to the different food groups corresponded to information on consumption for the different groups. Studies revealed that household food expenditure was higher among urban households, an observation attributable to their high reliance on food purchases to meet food requirements. The share of household expenditure on cereals and staples was reported to decrease with increasing wealth quantile and was lower among urban households. An opposite trend was reported for animal protein sources. Across the different studies, the mean dietary diversity score was above three (3). Nonetheless, intake of micronutrients and the mean dietary energy consumption (DEC) were reported to be lower than the daily recommended values. Given the lack of uniformity in the indicators across the different studies and differences in methodologies especially for dietary diversity scores, the existing research is inadequate for establishing quantitative evidence on the trends in dietary patterns and diversity, gender and age group differences in relation to dietary patterns. There is a need for high-quality, nation-wide research using validated tools and methodologies to measure dietary patterns and trends and explore the relation to gender and age groups. Key words: Food consumption, Food choices, Dietary Patterns, Uganda, Dietary diversity

A Prepandemic Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection Program Has Sustained Benefits for Food Security and Diet Diversity in Myanmar during a Severe Economic Crisis

BackgroundOne-third of preschool children in Myanmar were stunted in 2015–2016, and three-quarters of children 6–23 mo had inadequate diet diversity. In response, a large-scale nutrition-sensitive social protection program was implemented over 2016–2019. In 2020, however, Myanmar’s economy was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and harder still by a military takeover in 2021. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine whether former beneficiaries of this program experienced better food security, food consumption, and diet diversity outcomes in the wake of major economic shocks. MethodsIn a previous cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted over 2016–2019, pregnant women and their children aged <2 y were randomly assigned to either: 1) CASH; 2) CASH + social and behavioral change communication (SBCC); or 3) a control group. Subsamples of these former participants were then resurveyed 10 times from June 2020 to December 2021 during Myanmar’s protracted economic crisis. Randomized treatment exposure was used in a regression analysis to test for postprogram impacts on Food Insecurity Experience Scale indicators, household food consumption, and maternal and child diet diversity. We also examined the impacts on household income as a secondary outcome and potential impact pathway. ResultsBoth intervention arms reported lower food insecurity, more frequent consumption of nutritious foods, and more diverse maternal and child diets compared with households in the control group. However, the improved dietary outcomes were larger for mothers and children exposed to CASH+SBCC compared with CASH, as was their monthly household income. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that a program combining cash transfers with nutrition-related education can yield sustained benefits 1–2 y after the program was completed. This strengthens the evidence to support the expansion and scale-up of nutrition-sensitive social welfare programs to redress chronic malnutrition and enhance nutritional resilience in the face of a severe economic crisis.

Analisis Pangsa Pengeluaran Pangan Rumah Tangga Miskin Petani Kelapa Sawit Di Kecamatan Sinunukan Kabupaten Mandailing Natal

The purpose of this study was to determine the share of food expenditure of poor households and to analyze the effect of income, education of the head of the family, number of household members, length of household, amount of subsidized Raskin, non-food expenditure on the share of food expenditure of poor households in Sinunukan District, Mandailing Natal Regency. This research was conducted from September 10 to October 10, 2021. The location of the research was determined purposively with a total sample of 79 people. The data used are primary and secondary data. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis method using multiple linear regression analysis. Research results: 1. The share of food expenditure for poor households in Sinunukan District is 63% (food insecure households), : 2. The variables that partially have a significant effect on the share of food expenditure of poor households of oil palm farmers, Sinunukan Subdistrict, Mandailing Natal Regency, are income and non-food expenditure variables. Meanwhile, together (simultaneously) are household income variables, head of household education, number of family members, length of household, number of poor people received and non-food expenditure with sig 0.000 &lt; 0.05, the value of the coefficient of determination is 0.883.

ANALISIS PENDAPATAN DAN TINGKAT KESEJAHTERAAN RUMAH TANGGA PETANI KUBIS DI KECAMATAN BALIK BUKIT KABUPATEN LAMPUNG BARAT

This research aims to analyze farm income, farmer household income level, farmer household expenditure, and farmer household welfare level. The research location is determined purposively at Balik Bukit District, West Lampung Regency. Furthermore the research uses a survey method and is carried out from January to February 2020. The data analysis used in this research is qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. Quantitative analysis is used to determine the amount of farmer income, farmer household income and household expenditure level of cabbage farmers, while qualitative descriptive analysis is used to analyze the welfare level of cabbage farmers' households. The results showed that cabbage farming run by cabbage farmers was very profitable because the R/C value of the total cost was more than one. The largest source of income (74.65%) was came from cabbage farming, followed by non-cabbage farming (19.74%), non-farm income (3.37%) and off-farm income (2.24%). Moreover household expenditures of cabbage farmers consisted of food expenditures and non-food expenditures. Household food expenditure of cabbage farmers was 44.96% per year, while non-food expenditure was 55.04% per year. Exchange rate Farmers' household income against production costs (3.57), food consumption (6.30), non-food consumption (5.15), total consumption (2.83), and total expenditure (1.58) indicate that cabbage farming households in Balik Bukit District were included in the prosperous category. Keywords: cabbage, expenses, household income, income, welfare

Socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices and expenditure patterns: Results from a cross-sectional household survey in western Kenya.

Socioeconomic inequalities contribute to poor health. Inequitable access to diverse and healthy foods can be a risk factor for non-communicable diseases, especially in individuals of low socioeconomic status. We examined the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices, expenditure, and consumption in a resource-poor setting in Kenya. We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline cross-sectional data from a natural experimental study with a sample size of 512 individuals from 376 households in western Kenya. Data were collected on household food sources, expenditure and food consumption. Household socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) model. Concentration indices (Ci) and multivariable linear regression models were used to establish socioeconomic inequalities. About half (47.9%) of individuals achieved a minimum level of dietary diversity with the majority coming from wealthier households. The two most consumed food groups were grains and roots (97.5%, n = 499) and dark green leafy vegetables (73.8%, n = 378), but these did not vary by SES. The consumption of dark green leafy vegetables was similar across wealth quantiles (Ci = 0.014, p = 0.314). Overall, the wealthier households spent significantly more money on food purchases with a median of USD 50 (IQR = 60) in a month compared to the poorest who spent a median of USD 40 (IQR = 40). Of all the sources of food, the highest amount was spent at open-air markets median of USD 20 (IQR = 30) and the expenditure did not vary significantly by SES (Ci = 0.4, p = 0.684). The higher the socioeconomic status the higher the total amount spent on food purchases. In multivariable regression analysis, household SES was a significant determinant of food expenditure [Adjusted coefficient = 6.09 (95%confidence interval CI = 2.19, 9.99)]. Wealthier households spent more money on food compared to the poorest households, especially on buying food at supermarkets. Individuals from the poorest households were dominant in eating grains and roots and less likely to consume a variety of food groups, including pulses, dairy, eggs and fruits, and vegetables. Individuals from the poorest households were also less likely to achieve adequate dietary diversity. Deliberate policies on diet and nutrition are required to address socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices.

Losing the Plot: The Impact of Urban Agriculture on Household Food Expenditure and Dietary Diversity in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Urban agriculture (UA) is proposed as a solution to the social and economic challenges presented by cities by providing urban households with food and income using environmentally friendly food production techniques. To date, most analysis of UA has been based on single-city studies. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by using a cross-country approach and by analysing household level data from nine sub-Saharan countries—Burkina Faso (2014), Ethiopia (2013), Ghana (2009), Malawi (2013), Niger 2014, Nigeria (2012), Tanzania (2010) and Uganda (2013). This paper sets out to answer three questions; the first investigates which are the main characteristics of households engaged in urban agriculture; the second looks at the role played by UA in diversifying household diets and reducing household food expenditure; the third examines the heterogeneity in the impact of UA across the food expenditure distribution. Using an inverse-probability weighted regression adjustment method, the results show that households engaged in agriculture reduced expenditure on food and modified their food expenditure profile by spending more on protein rich food -nuts, legumes, fruits, dairy products, meat and poultry. The study also finds substantial variation on the impact of UA across the food expenditure distribution.

Graduation approach to poverty reduction in the humanitarian context: Evidence from Bangladesh

AbstractIncreasing forcibly displaced populations worldwide are adversely affecting the poorest host communities' livelihoods. Livelihood programmes can reduce this tension by addressing host communities' skills and capital constraints. In this paper, we examine the effect of a customised version of BRAC's Ultra‐Poor Graduation (UPG) programme on the livelihoods of the host communities of Rohingya refugees. We find that the programme increases labour supply in self‐employment of working‐age men and women, household income, food expenditure and productive asset. Further, we find some weak evidence that the programme decreases the tension between hosts and Rohingya refugees.

Inequalities in Household Food Expenditures in South Africa: Implications for the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Health Inequality

Globally, diets are changing. With rising incomes and increased globalisation, low- and middle-income countries are undergoing a shift from traditional diets to an increasingly western diet that is high in sugar and processed foods. Furthermore, many countries undergoing this nutrition transition are plagued by income and wealth inequalities. The interaction of these inequalities with changing dietary patterns has significant implications for the increased burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and health inequality. This study assesses the relative changes in socio-economic inequality in the distribution of food consumption expenditure in South Africa. The data were drawn from the multiple waves of the 2005/2006 Income and Expenditure Survey (IES) and 2014/2015 Living Conditions Survey (LCS). The study uses both descriptive statistics and the concentration index method. The results show that real food expenditures have increased on average and are concentrated among the rich. However, real food expenditure in certain food groups has become less concentrated over time in the richer populations. This is particularly true for sugary food products, with a reduction of about 34% in their concentration among the rich. Undoubtedly, the concentration of real food expenditure on certain food among the lower socioeconomic groups has grave implications for exacerbating the burden of diet-related NCDs and health inequality.