scholarly journals Consumer perceptions of food safety in animal source foods choice and consumption in Nairobi’s informal settlements

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salome A. Bukachi ◽  
Mariah Ngutu ◽  
Ann W. Muthiru ◽  
Aurélia Lépine ◽  
Suneetha Kadiyala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Animal Source Foods ◽  
Animal Source ◽  
Urban Informal Settlements

Abstract Background Animal-source foods (ASFs) are high-quality nutrient-dense products key to reducing stunting and micronutrient deficiencies. However, their consumption among the poorest households in urban informal settlements is low. Several drivers beyond price, including health considerations have been reported to drive ASF choice and consumption among consumers. This current study explores consumer perceptions of food safety associated with animal source foods (ASFs) consumption in urban informal settlements with a view to unpacking the health considerations driving their choice and consumption. Methods Coupled households with children 6–59 months formed the study sample. The Food Environments Working Group (FEWG) Framework of the Agriculture and Nutrition for Health academy (ANH) was used to guide the study which utilized qualitative methods namely, 60 in-depth interviews (IDIs), 19 focus group discussions, and 19 key informant interviews (KIIs) complemented by unstructured observations. Data were transcribed and analysed according to emerging themes. Results Consumer perceptions of food safety are driven by concerns about food production, processing, handling, storage and the health risks associated with consumption of the ASFs. For all the ASFs, lack of traceability of source, unhygienic environments in which they were sold and health risks around consuming too much or improperly cooked products were key perceptions from the community. To mitigate against food safety risks, consumers used strategies such as boiling the ASFs, purchasing their products from trusted retailers, avoiding vendors in unhygienic environments and reducing the amount and frequency of consumption of ASFs or totally avoiding their consumption. These consumer perceptions are increasingly influencing the ASFs choice and consumption in low-income populations besides other drivers. Notably, given limited incomes that influence their purchasing power and the need for nutritious diets that included ASFs, the dilemma of quality vis-a-vis quantity persists and consumers still accessed and consumed these ASF products to supplement their diets. Conclusions To enhance food safety for ASFs, as well as assure consumer access to safe ASFs from informal markets, there is need to contextualize the value chain as informed by consumer perceptions on food safety as these influence their ASFs choice and consumption.

scholarly journals Mobile Loans as Financing Options in Kenya and the Financial Performance of SMEs in Low Income Areas in Nairobi County

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-105
Author(s):  
Margaret Murage
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Urban Informal Settlements ◽  
Descriptive Survey

This study sets out to examine the effect of loan accessibility on the financial performance of SMEs in urban informal settlements in Kenya. Based on the descriptive survey design, data were collected from 120 SMEs in the 6 wards of Mathare Sub-County using semi-structured questionnaires. It was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that all the loan accessibility had a significant and positive relationship with the financial performance of SMEs. In this regard, enhancing loan accessibility contributed to the financial performance of SMEs in urban areas. Financial inclusion among SMEs in urban areas was also enhanced through mobile loans. This could go on to enhance living standards among the inhabitants of urban informal settlements as envisaged by world bank. In this regard, several recommendations were made. Mobile loan providers should market their mobile loan products to make them visible since only 4, Safaricom-Fuliza, M-Shwari, Tala, and KCB-Mpesa were the most used. Civil society organizations in collaboration with mobile loan providers should also carry out capacity building campaigns among SMEs in informal settlements. This would lead to enhanced visibility and accessibility of these mobile loans among the inhabitants of urban informal settlements.

Can grassroots festivals serve as catalysts to connect and empower youth in urban informal settlements? A case study of art festivals in Indonesian kampungs

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Poeti Nazura Gulfira Akbar
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Event Management ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Based Art ◽  
Gain Event ◽  
Urban Informal Settlements

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how young residents in two Indonesian kampungs (urban informal settlements) participate in two grassroots art festivals and to what extent their participation affects their capacity and network. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative method. The data collection were done in 2017 and took the form of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 respondents in two kampungs, Kampung Dago Pojok, Bandung, and Kampung Bustaman, Semarang. Findings The results show that the grassroots festival can empower youth throughout its process while also influencing their networks. The festival could act as the catalyst for youth to gain event management skills and exchange cultural knowledge. This study also found that there are two sides the art festivals can bring to the youth regarding their network: while the festival was able to develop their internal and external network, it also led to social division within the community. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in the context of the research where it contributes to understanding the implications of community-based art festivals in the developing context, particularly in the low-income informal settlements. The paper’s content also provides insights that festivals can also be understood as more than place marketing or branding but as collections of steps and efforts of the community to provide meaningful actions for their place and people.

The Role of Animal-Source Foods in Sustainable, Ethical, and Optimal Human Diets

2020 ◽  
pp. 344-364
Author(s):  
Julia de Bruyn ◽  
Brigitte Bagnol ◽  
Hilary H. Chan ◽  
Delia Grace ◽  
Marisa E. V. Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Human Growth ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Animal Source Foods ◽  
Animal Source ◽  
Nutritional Needs

Achieving sustainable, ethical food systems in support of human and planetary health is among the greatest challenges facing the global community. Globally, 815 million people are chronically undernourished, 108 million children and 604 million adults are obese, and more than two billion people are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Animal-source foods (ASFs), including milk, meat, fish, and eggs, provide high-quality protein and a variety of micronutrients in forms readily absorbed and used by the human body. Current research continues to explore the nutritional contributions of ASFs, their interactions with other dietary components, and their role in healthy human growth and development. This chapter uses the framework of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to consider the value of ASFs in human diets across a range of settings. It discusses opportunities for multidisciplinary efforts that harness science, technology, and innovation (STI) to mitigate risks of foodborne disease, to promote the efficient management of natural resources, to reduce nutrient losses within livestock value chains, and to support gender- and culturally sensitive communication around livestock management and human nutrition. In support of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, this chapter proposes opportunities to meet the nutritional needs of current and future populations while supporting biodiversity and conserving scarce natural resources.

scholarly journals Assessment of Compliance to Animal Source Foods Quality and Safety Standards in Uganda. A Case of Kampala and Mbarara Districts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M Kungu ◽  
Francis Ejobi ◽  
Collins Atuheire ◽  
Sylivia Baluka ◽  
Dan Brian Kiganira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Chain ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
International Markets ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Quality And Safety ◽  
Food Control ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Animal Source Foods ◽  
Major Market ◽  
Animal Source

Abstract Animal source foods (ASFs) can be sources of illness when poorly handled both at the farms and during processing. Efforts have been undertaken by government to promote good food standards, quality and safety but have not paid off due to limited holistic involvement of all ASFs value chain actors like the farmers, transporters, traders, and the consumers. An assessment was conducted in Kampala and Mbarara districts to determine the level of compliance to existing food control standards.The findings are to help inform policies to adapt, promote and implement standards and quality of ASF products free or with minimal contamination, services to promote local industries and protect consumers as well as facilitate access to international markets. This assessment was carried out in Kampala and Mbarara district with major objective of mapping various institutions involved in designing and implementing food control standards with the core mandate lying with Uganda National Bureau of Standards and assessing of compliance to food control standards along the ASFs value chain.The studies were conducted in Kampala, Uganda’s capital and Mbarara, the second biggest city in the country. These districts constitute the major market hub of agricultural products due to their high consumer population. The ASFs value chain assessments were conducted through workshops using focus group discussions with stakeholders in the meat, milk, poultry and fish value chains.A number of organisations along the food chain were involved in designing and implementing of food safety standards and regulations, as well as regulatory norms for setting and controlling of quality standards for animal source foods in Uganda. These included; farmers, transporters, processors, academia, researchers, trade organisations, government institutions, private organisations, international bodies and consumers’ organisations.Majority of the outlet operators had both operating certificates and health certificates, however the remaining proportion that was noncompliant is still significant considering that they still distribute ASFs products. The study also observed that most of the measures required to ensure safety of ASFs are not followed along the food chain such as; poor transportation of animals and their products and use of antibiotics in animal feeds. It was also observed that product quality and cost of the product greatly contribute to the consumers’ demand and confidence for a particular animal source product.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study on The Association Between Gender and Factors That Influence Animal-Source Food Dietary Intake for Households In Lower-Income Urban Informal Settings of Nairobi, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariah Ngutu ◽  
Salome A. Bukachi ◽  
Ann W. Muthiru ◽  
Aurélia Lépine ◽  
Suneetha Kadiyala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Animal Source Foods ◽  
Animal Source ◽  
Informal Settings ◽  
Animal Source Food

Abstract Background: Low-quality monotonous diets dominated by starchy foods are a major problem confronting resource-constrained settings worldwide including poor households in the urban informal settings of Nairobi, Kenya. This low-quality dietary intake is fueled by socio-economic disparities further complicated by gender hegemonies that influence decision making in food choice and consumption. This places the population, especially women of reproductive age and young children, at a risk of micronutrients deficiencies, such as anemia. Animal-source foods (ASFs) are high-quality nutrient-dense products that supply essential amino-acids, vitamins and minerals, to reduce stunting and micronutrient deficiencies. Previous research showed that the poorest households in Nairobi, Kenya, had low Animal-source foods (ASFs) consumption.Food security and nutrition dimensions of food security such as the gendered dimensions have been the main focus in most development interventions. However, there still exists gaps especially at the household level that try to understand the association between gender and factors that influence animal-source food dietary intake.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was carried out to establish the association between gender and factors that influence animal-source foods dietary intake for households in lower-income urban informal settings of Nairobi, Kenya. We utilized 19 focus group discussions with embedded participatory exercises and 60 in-depth interviews differently for men and women alongside unstructured observations to enable in-depth exploration of ASFs consumption and choice determinants.Results: Gender and related factors including decision making, power position dynamics of men and women as well as coping mechanisms were seen to influence household ASF dietary intake. Both men and women had a role providing for food budgets and also deciding on when and what ASF would be consumed in their households. Notably, men and women in the informal low-income settings face socio-economic challenges in planning for and sustaining household food needs including ASF.Conclusion: Nutrition and health interventions and programs tackling malnutrition in lower-income households need to consider the gender and associated factors as identified in this exploratory research. These factors are seen as intersecting with the household economic status and sociocultural practices to influence ASF dietary intake including choice and consumption.

scholarly journals Planning, design and implementation of the enhancing child nutrition through animal source food management (ENAM) project

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (49) ◽  
pp. 5687-5708
Author(s):  
Esi. K Colecraft ◽  
◽  
A Lartey ◽  
G. S Maequis ◽  
O Sakyi-Dawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Animal Source Foods ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Animal Source ◽  
Project Model

The Global-Livestock Collaborative Research Support Program’s (GL-CRSP) Child Nutrition Project, a controlled feeding trial in rural Kenya, demonstrated the importance of Animal Source Foods (ASF) for children’s micronutrient status and cognitive development. These findings prompted research efforts to understand the constraints to ASF in children’s diets in Africa so as to design targeted interventions to improve the ASF quality of children’s diets. The Enhancing Child Nutrition through Animal Source Management (ENAM) project (2004-2009) emanated from participatory formative research that identified six principal constraints to the inclusion of Animal Source Foods (ASF) in children’s diets in Ghana, including low income of caregivers, poor producer-consumer linkages, inadequate nutrition knowledge and skills of extension staff and caregivers, cultural beliefs, and inequitable household food distribution. To address these constraints, the ENAM project undertook a multidisciplinary community development, research and capacity building initiative with the goal of augmenting caregivers’ access to and use of ASF in children’s diets. Participatory processes were used to implement an integrated microcredit, entrepreneurship and nutrition education intervention with 181 caregivers of children 2- to5-years old in six rural communities across three agro-ecological zones (Guinea Savannah, Forest-Savannah Transitional and Coastal Savannah) of Ghana. Six matched communities from the same ecological zones served as comparison sites. Quantitative methods that included surveys, child anthropometry, and dietary assessment as well as qualitative case studies were used to assess the effect of the intervention on household, caregiver and child outcomes of interest. This paper presents the key features of the planning, design and implementation of the community intervention and the research processes undertaken to assess the project’s impacts. The ENAM project model presents a unique approach for addressing caregivers’ income and knowledge barriers to improve child nutrition in rural Ghana and may be a promising intervention model for scale-up in Ghana and other African countries.

scholarly journals Food Safety Gaps between Consumers’ Expectations and Perceptions: Development and Verification of a Gap-Assessment Tool

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paohui Lin ◽  
Hsientang Tsai ◽  
Tzuya Ho
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Performance Analysis ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Consumer Trust ◽  
Gap Model ◽  
Quality Food ◽  
Consumer Expectations

In recent decades, food safety has become a major concern due to frequent food safety incidents in many countries. This may lead to increased health risks associated with low quality food consumption, thereby reducing consumer trust in food safety. A better understanding of consumer perceptions of food safety can improve indicators that do not meet consumer expectations. We propose a food safety gap model with four gap-construct based on consumer expectations and perceptions. The model was empirically tested through a survey of 25 items, and then assessed for gaps through the importance–performance analysis (IPA). From a sample of 697 Taiwanese consumers, we found a huge gap between consumer expectations and perceptions related to food safety. More importantly, the results of the IPA indicate that most items must be immediately improved, which is vital in order to mitigate the risk of food safety.

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