Tropentag 2024 in Vienna – sustainable natural resource management

The international expert conference for development-oriented, trans- and interdisciplinary agricultural research and rural development in the Global South examined many different topics. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) promotes international research cooperation between German research institutions and those in countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia. The BLE as project management agency is in charge of administering the projects.

In the context of climate change and structural inequalities in the management of natural resources based on gender, age, and socio-economic status, the need to reshape current agricultural and food systems is greater than ever. Despite increased food production worldwide, hunger and malnutrition figures are rising. At the same time, crop and nutritional diversity are decreasing. The climate crisis and political conflicts are further exacerbating the situation.

Agricultural research is an important means of bridging knowledge gaps. The research results presented at the Tropentag have shown the diverse opportunities, but also the challenges. The debates made clear that transformation processes need to be inclusive and adapted to the specific contexts in order to overcome conflicting objectives and create synergies.

Shaping food environments for better nutrition and health

BMEL podium discussion on improving food environments for better nutrition and health. Source: BLE

The BMEL session focused on research activities aimed at improving food environments, meaning the physical, economic, political, and sociocultural context in which consumers make their decisions about purchasing, preparing, and consuming food. One particularly problematic aspect is the increasing availability of highly processed foods at low prices and the rise in unhealthy eating habits. The design of food environments is key to improving nutrition and health.

Seven international research consortia are currently being funded under the 2019 BMEL research call: "Food Environments for improved Nutrition". Three of them presented their research approaches and results at the BMEL session.

Mobile app depicts dietary habits

Example of data visualization: three-dimensional illustration of the distance travelled (blue line) and locations (green bulges) where food was consumed within one day, including illustration of the climate impact. Source: NutriAIDE, Müller-Hansen

First, Merle Müller-Hansen and Markus Keck from the University of Augsburg reported about the “NutriAIDE” project. Focusing on urban populations, they teamed up with partners in India to develop a mobile app that depicts and assesses eating habits. Via the app, users can keep a diary of eating habits or test their knowledge on food and nutrition in a fun way. At the same time, the app provides new ways of assessing and visualising data to researchers. This creates a better understanding of when and where which foods are consumed.

Changing eating and physical activity habits

Training of trainers for the Health Literacy Programme 3 (module on physical activity) Source: Eward Mushi (FoCo-Active Projekt)

In the next presentation, Victoria Kariathi from the Sokoine University of Agriculture und Msabila Damian Charles from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania highlighted the results of the “FoCo-Active” project. The project addresses the issue of changing eating and physical activity habits in order to counteract the problems of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.

Data from the project has shown that the urban population, and women in particular, are strongly affected by overweight and obesity. Interestingly, however, it is precisely overweight people who possess the greatest competencies with regard to healthy food, nutrition, and health. The project addresses the complex situation with a comprehensive training programme that improves food- and health-related knowledge and skills in a holistic manner. In addition, sport events are organised and media campaigns developed to bring the topic closer to broad sections of the population and raise its profile high, also on the agenda of decision makers.

Using local nutrient-rich meals to improve children’s nutrition

The third project saw Georges Djohy from the University of Parakou in Benin presenting the results of the "NaviNut" project. The focus is on improving children’s nutrition by enhancing the skills and knowledge of mothers with regard to food selection and preparation. There was an impressive demonstration of the variety of locally available, nutrient-rich meals for children in Kenya and Benin, and of how knowledge can be consolidated through mutual exchange and dialogue. Women from various ethnic groups teamed up with the researchers to develop selected meals into products that can be stored and marketed. In addition to providing new sources of income for women and honouring their traditional knowledge, this also changes local food environments.

The contributions and the exchange in the session illustrated the variety of approaches to making food environments healthier. It became apparent how the active involvement of the local population and the integration of various scientific disciplines help to successfully address this complex issue. Despite existing challenges, academically sound and practicable solutions can only be developed jointly.

Further information

• Tropentag: http://www.tropentag.de/
• Social Media/ Tropentag Blog: http://blog.tropentag.de/
• International research cooperation for global food security