Nutrition in Africa in a Global Economy: Perspectives Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the nutritional situation in Africa and discusses briefly some of the factors that influence nutritional status of the different groups of the population. Malnutrition in Africa is increasing due to various factors, some of which involve the changing global economic policies. Perspectives of globalisation in relation to nutrition in Africa and the opportunities and challenges faced by nutritionists and relevant workers are presented. Globalisation is affecting food and diseases patterns in Africa hence changing the scenario of the nutrition problems in Africa. Africa is now facing a double burden of having to deal with traditional under-nutrition and emerging over-nutrition in the ailing economies characterised by poor physical and information technology infrastructure, unskilled and unmotivated workers and increasing poverty. Therefore, Africa has a long way to go to be able to participate in the global economy.