Food retail assessment and family food purchase behavior in Ashongman estates, Ghana

Abstract

A key feature of the nutrition transition in developed countries is the rapid transformation of the food system towards increasing availability and access to cheaper, and more processed foods. These changes are associated with alterations in dietary behavior with implications for chronic disease risk. However, the process of change in the food system begins with changes in the food retail system and its subsequent effect on consumer behavior. Currently, little is known about the nature of the food marketplace in emerging economies like Ghana, and also how the changing economy and food retail situation are influencing consumer behavior. The current paper presents a case study of the food retail system and consumer food purchase behavior in suburban Accra. Between May and August 2012, an assessment of food retail outlets was carried out in Ashongman Estates, a suburb of Accra. The study involved observations, in-depth interviews with retailers, and a survey of households. Data from the study allowed classification of retail food vendors across the urban food retail system. In addition, data on food purchase preferences and purchase behavior were obtained from a household survey of 75 randomly selected households in Ashongman Estates. The data showed that traditional markets still constitute the most important source of household food purchases. A majority of households (87%) reported preference for traditional markets, and almost all households (99%) indicated traditional markets as their main source for purchasing household food. Foods available from supermarkets were mainly processed foods. However, processed foods are also commonly available through the traditional markets and minimarkets. The preference for traditional markets was attributed to greater variety of foods, lower price, and proximity of food source. Minimarket vendors, including corner stores, table top vendors, hawkers, and fuel station shops that are located within the community, served as an additional food source, complementing food purchases from the traditional markets. The study concluded that although traditional markets remain the main source of household food, interventions are needed to ensure that food markets in the community include access to a variety of fresh produce rather than promote processed foods, in order to promote consumer health.

Determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours among women of reproductive age in urban sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

“…In terms of study setting, the majority were from South Africa and West Africa. Of the sixteen studies on dietary behaviour, six were from South Africa (23,24,(34)(35)(36)(37) , four from Ghana (19,(38)(39)(40) and two from Burkina Faso (17,41) . Four studies were from Kenya (26) , Tanzania (21) , Senegal (25) and Cameroon (20) .…”

“…The determinants identified for both behaviours included factors that cut across all the five levels of the socio-ecological framework (49) (Figs 2 and 3). Dietary behaviours studied included: food purchasing (40) , food choice (24,26,34,37,39) , healthy eating (20,23,25,38) , food environment characteristics (19) , nutrition knowledge (35,36) and dietary diversity and pattern (17,21,41) .…”

“…Household size (n 2) (26,38) Family and peer influence (n 6) (23,24,34,(36)(37)(38) Preference of family members (n 4) (20,24,36,37) Dietary patterns/cooking methods adopted from family network (n 4) (20,23,24,38) Peer pressure (n 2) (34,38) Community groups (n 2) (20,37) Community level Cultural beliefs (n 8) (17,20,23,24,35,(37)(38)(39) Weight gain prestige (n 3) (20,23,37) High social status accordance to fast foods (n 2) (37,39) Low social status accordance to fruits and vegetables, legumes and minimally processed grains (n 2) (24,38) Physical environment (n 11) (17,(19)(20)(21)24,26,34,(37)(38)(39)(40) Purchase source (food retail source) (n 3) (19,…”

“…Socio-economic status. Seven studies reported on influence of socio-economic status indices: income/economic, education and occupation on dietary behaviours (17,21,26,34,(39)(40)(41) . Findings are mixed on the direction of influence.…”

“…These street offers are limited in fruits and vegetables but provide mostly refined carbohydrate-rich foods. Food purchases are from mainly three retail sources: traditional markets including farmers' weekly market days, supermarkets and convenience retail stores that offer mainly processed food (19,40) . Studies reported that majority of the population still prefer traditional markets because they offer low-priced fresh food.…”