How Could Agroecological Markets Support Healthier Diets in Urban and Periurban Areas for Low-Income Women? A Case Study of Dakar, Senegal.

BACKGROUND

Agroecology is a holistic approach that draws on ecological and social justice principles. Although there is evidence that agroecological practices can improve food security and nutrition for rural households, there is less research in urban areas.

OBJECTIVES

This exploratory study in Dakar, Senegal, asks: how could agroecological markets support healthier diets in urban and periurban areas for low-income consumers?

METHODS

Four market initiatives were studied that were urban/periurban, sold agroecological food products, and had low-income consumers. Three focus groups were held with women consumers, and interviews were conducted with consumers and those involved in agroecological markets. A survey was carried out with 180 consumers in 6 market sites.

RESULTS

Small-scale agroecological market initiatives were well established, relied on short chains built on trust that promoted values such as health, reduced use of chemicals, and fairness. Women who purchased agroecological foods regularly bought a diverse range of foods. One-third reported having a diet-related disease such as diabetes. Women reported consuming agroecological products either as prevention or after being diagnosed with a diet-related disease. Main motivations for consumers to purchase agroecological foods were health, taste, and avoidance of agrochemicals. Consumers noted several barriers to eating more agroecological foods, including market availability, distance, and seasonal availability of food products. Seven pathways to connect agroecology to nutrition were found: 1) agrobiodiversity, 2) livelihoods/social empowerment, 3) knowledge cocreation, 4) participation/connectivity, 5) culture and diets, 6) reduced exposure to pesticides, and 7) rights-based approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Six recommendations were identified to promote these pathways, including support for agroecological producers in urban low-income areas, support for short agroecological markets, and strengthening urban food governance. Although not generalizable, the conceptual framework addresses research gaps on the agroecology-nutrition nexus by providing food for thought for the design of interventions that aim to support agroecology and nutrition of urban low-income consumers.