In West Africa, vegetable supply chain development projects in Accra and Greater Lomé focus scarcely on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of vegetable producers, traders and processors. Thus, the research aims to assess the level of sanitary, socio-economic and environmental sustainability of vegetable production, trade and processing in these cities, based on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of stakeholders. A quantitative multi-criteria evaluation approach was adopted, with reference to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard 13 and Codex Alimentarius (CXC 1-1969 then CXC 53-2003). A sample of 303 people (156 in Accra and 147 in Greater Lomé) was formed using purposive sampling based on the assertion of E.R. Babbie (2016) and L. Kish (1965) combined with the comparison of S. Sudman (1976). Kobocollect and MS Excel respectively served to collect data and calculate KAP scores and percentages. Arcgis and Google Earth facilitated geographic representation of the data. The results reveal low rates of ecological (27.2%), health (26.9%), socio-economic (39.9%), technological and innovative (18.6%) KAP, evaluated at 28.6%. These results are unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs. Hence the importance of an integrated, ongoing eco-nutritional education program for all stakeholders.
Like other cities in West Africa, Accra's market garden sector faces a number of sustainability challenges. However, the sector's sustainability projects focus less on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the stakeholders in this food system, and more on the other factors that can enhance its socio-economic, health and ecological sustainability. Thus, the research aims to assess the level of health, socio-economic and environmental sustainability of market garden vegetable production, trade and processing in the Accra metropolitan district, based on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of stakeholders. A quantitative multi-criteria evaluation approach was adopted, using a questionnaire survey targeting 156 respondents (50 producers, 63 traders and 43 processors) selected by purposive sampling. The data collected by Kobocollect were processed using Excel, Arcgis and Google Earth. Average scores and good KAP rates were calculated for all players taken together, and particularly in consideration of the key dimensions of sustainable development. The results reveal low rates for ecological (28.24%), health (20.15%), socio-economic (36.15%), technological and innovative (14.25%) knowledge, attitudes and practices, evaluated overall at 26.87%. These results are unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs, and do not meet either standard 13 of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2023, or the principles of nutritional ecology. Hence the importance of an integrated, long-term eco-nutritional education program for all stakeholders.
17 May 2024 in Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology
Societal changes in the food sector are presenting the Greater Lomé Autonomous District (DAGL) with major sustainability challenges. However, the socio-economic, health, nutritional and ecological knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of stakeholders in solving these problems are only partially taken into account, even in the existing scientific literature. As such, the research aims to assess the level of health, socio-economic and environmental sustainability of market garden vegetable production, trade and processing in the Autonomous District of Greater Lomé (DAGL), based on the principles of nutritional ecology. Using a quantitative multi-criteria approach, 147 people were interviewed : 44 producers, 56 traders and 47 processors. Judgemental sampling was used to form the sample. The data collected by Kobocollect was processed using Excel, Arcgis and Google Earth Pro. Average scores and good KAP rates were calculated for stakeholders according to key aspects of sustainable development apprehension. The results show that in the DAGL, the rates for ecological (26.13%), health (33.71%), socio-economic (42.46), technological and innovative (22.93%) knowledge, attitudes and practices are low. They stand at 30.31%. These results are unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs, and do not meet the principles of nutritional ecology and standard 13 of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2023. Hence the importance of designing and implementing an integrated, long-term eco-nutritional education program for all stakeholders.
17 May 2024 in Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology
In Accra and Greater Lomé, research into the harmful effects of food transitions focuses scarcely on the levels of knowledge and good practices (LKGP) of vegetable consumers. However, these foods play a key role in the nutritional, health, socio-economic and ecological sustainability of cities. This research aims to assess the health, nutritional, ecological and socio-economic sustainability of LKGP linked to vegetable consumption in these conurbations. A quantified multi-criteria evaluation approach was adopted. The respondents (394), selected via judgmental sampling, were equally distributed between the two cities. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire administered by Kobocollect. The overall average rate of good vegetable consumption knowledge and practices in Accra and Greater Lomé is low (37.43%). This result stems from the low LKGP for daily vegetable consumption (24.62%), their inclusion in the main daily meals (33.50%) and consideration of their nutritional composition (30.86%). The target population is unaware of the health, nutritional and ecological drawbacks of poorly preserved vegetables (66.93%) and adopts inappropriate waste management practices when handling them (65.91%). The average proportions of access to vegetable procurement technology (47.08%) and sustainable food education (11.29%) were also low. The research results, unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs in Accra and Greater Lomé, call for an inclusive, integrated and continuous sustainable food education program.