Special event: New IFPRI research program explores emerging problems of urban food systems

The explosive growth of cities all over the world has led to major shifts in diets, especially in rapidly urbanizing low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. As incomes rise in concert with urbanization, food consumption patterns often change to include more refined grains, animal sourced foods, sugars, and fats. As a result, urban areas—and particularly the urban poor—now face problems of both undernutrition and overnutrition, including overweight and obesity.

A new IFPRI research program, Urban Food Systems for Better Diets, Nutrition, and Health, will study this dynamic and how to address these issues. A May 17 special event outlined its efforts to build an evidence base for designing effective urban food systems policies for healthier diets and optimal nutrition among the urban poor.

Photo: Jamed Falik/IFPRI