Food Environments and Diet Quality Among Vendors and Consumers in Five Traditional Urban Markets in Kenya

By:
Kathrin M. Demmler, Sophie van der Steen, Ann Trevenen-Jones, Emilie de Kanter​
Date:
2024
Resource type:
Blogs/news/opinion
Link:

This study investigates the relationship between food environments and diet quality among vendors and consumers in five traditional urban markets in Kenya. Survey data from 1,042 vendors and 876 consumers revealed that vendors had lower dietary diversity and nutrition scores than consumers. Longer travel times to markets were linked to poorer diet quality for both groups. Socioeconomic factors, including gender, age, and education, significantly influenced diet quality. The study emphasizes the need for policies that improve market access and support low-income and vulnerable populations.

Photo Credit: GAIN