Contribution of the local and home-food environments on the food practices of black adults in Gauteng

Abstract

This study explored and described the contribution of the local and home-food environments of urban black adults residing in Gauteng Province, to ascertain how these environments influence their food practices. The food consumption patterns of South Africans have developed and changed due to socio-structural changes such as rapid urbanisation, modernisation, globalisation, acculturation, and economic advancement. As a result of these broader systemic changes, food systems and environments simultaneously changed to adapt to technological developments and to match consumers’ lifestyle changes. Motivated by concerns about the rising number of urban black South African adults who are overweight or obese, there is a need to explore how existing food environments contribute to their food practices. This study attempts to fill a gap in the available information and literature on the food environments and food practices of urban black adults in South Africa.

A quantitative research approach was followed in this exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 265 urban black adults, residing in the Gauteng Province, participated in the study. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was developed to collect data on respondents’ socio-demographic background, and their usual eating and food shopping patterns. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means and frequencies) summarised as tables and graphs were used to interpret and present the data.

The findings of this study confirm an on-going transition in the food practices of urban black adults in Gauteng. The majority of respondents reported consuming three meals a day and food intake results indicate a satisfactory diversity of food consumed. Many respondents, however, do not adhere to some of the Food Based Dietary Guidelines for South Africa in terms of the quantities of legumes, fruits, vegetables, milk, and dairy products they consume daily. Food consumption results, considered in conjunction with those on food access dimensions, confirm that these urban consumers have easy and adequate access to a wide variety of food in the urban food environment.

From the findings on where certain food groups are purchased, it can be concluded that urban black adults primarily do their shopping at supermarkets and are satisfied with the range of food outlets they have access to in their neighbourhoods. The findings further support the opinion that most respondents felt that their local food environment provides good quality fruits and vegetables, and compares well with food stores in other areas of Gauteng. Food items recommended as part of healthy eating patterns are further available in most households, and appear to be prepared in a healthy manner.

The conclusion drawn is that affordable, good quality, healthy food is available and accessible to consumers in the food environments of Gauteng. It is recommended that consumer educators and facilitators take this research into account when educating consumers on the Food-based Dietary Guidelines for South Africa, by placing more emphasis on the daily quantities of legumes, fruits, vegetables, milk, and dairy products to be consumed.