Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Hannah Ameye, Senior Researcher, University of Bonn
Published on 2024-04-08 15:41:08
Cities in sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing rapid growth, with an urban population growth rate of around 4% annually, compared to the global average of 1.5%. By 2030, it is projected that urban areas in Africa will comprise 50% of the total population, increasing to 60% by 2050. This urbanization trend is leading to lifestyle changes such as reduced physical activity and the consumption of high-calorie fast foods, snacks, and sugary beverages, contributing to a rise in obesity in low- and middle-income countries.
In Tanzania, approximately 37% of the population resides in urban areas, with 5.3 million people living in Dar es Salaam, representing 28% of the urban population. A recent study conducted by an agricultural economist focusing on nutrition compared the dietary quality between rural areas, secondary towns, and the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam. The research analyzed food diaries from 1,506 households over a two-week period, examining their calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake in relation to recommended requirements for a healthy diet.
The study revealed significant differences in dietary patterns based on location. Rural areas displayed the highest deficiencies due to insufficient food consumption, with diets largely consisting of homegrown foods that were not diverse enough to provide essential nutrients. Conversely, households in secondary towns exhibited healthier diets, consuming more varied foods and having better access to markets and higher incomes to afford nutritional diversity.
Residents of Dar es Salaam consumed diets high in processed cereal products and ready-made meals, lacking in fiber and important micronutrients while containing excess saturated fats and sugars. These dietary disparities highlight the importance of tailored public health campaigns to address specific nutritional needs in different regions.
The study also emphasized the impact of nutrient deficiencies on health, including cognitive impairment, fatigue, and susceptibility to illnesses, while overconsumption of fats and sugars can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach that considers the diverse dietary habits across urban and rural areas is crucial to promoting healthy nutrition and combating the rising rates of obesity in sub-Saharan Africa.
