What plant-centric diets are nutritionally, culturally, and regionally appropriate for different low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)?
Context and Relevance:
Transitioning towards more plant-centric diets in LMICs can contribute to improved animal welfare, public health outcomes, environmental sustainability, and food security. Understanding the nutritional, cultural, and regional appropriateness of such diets is essential for designing effective promotion strategies that respect local contexts and ensure wide acceptance and adoption.
Potential Research Approach:
Nutritional Analysis: Conducting a nutritional analysis to identify plant-centric diets that meet the dietary needs of populations in different LMICs, taking into account regional food availability and nutritional requirements.
Cultural and Social Assessment: Performing a cultural and social assessment to understand the acceptability of plant-centric diets, considering traditional eating habits and preferences.
Stakeholder Identification: Identifying key stakeholders in food systems within LMICs, including farmers, consumers, policymakers, and educators, to understand their roles and interests in dietary shifts.
Intervention Strategies: Developing and testing intervention strategies for promoting plant-centric diets, such as educational programs, policy incentives, and community-based initiatives.
Additional Questions:
1.What are the most effective ways to promote those diets to different stakeholders?
2.What are the key regional plant-based foods that can be promoted to ensure both nutritional adequacy and local acceptance in different LMICs?
3. How can traditional eating habits and cultural preferences be integrated into the promotion strategies for plant-centric diets to ensure higher acceptance and adherence?