Researchers in Senegal studied 90 households to figure out how families could eat healthier foods without spending more money. They found that many families eat the same boring foods over and over, missing important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Using a computer program, scientists created a shopping list of nine affordable foods that would give a family of 13 all the nutrition they need for about $11.50 per day. This study shows that even in areas where food is expensive and choices are limited, families can eat better by choosing the right mix of affordable foods available in their communities.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can families in rural Senegal eat nutritious meals using only foods they can afford and find locally?
  • Who participated: 90 households in the Niayes region of Senegal, including families with pregnant women, young children, and elderly people who need extra nutrition
  • Key finding: Scientists created an affordable food shopping list for about $11.50 per day that includes nine different foods and provides all the nutrition a family of 13 needs. However, less than half of the families studied were eating a variety of foods, and many weren’t getting enough calcium, folate, and vitamin D.
  • What it means for you: If you live in a similar area with limited food choices and tight budgets, this research suggests that eating a planned mix of affordable local foods can help you and your family get better nutrition. This is especially important for pregnant women, young children, and older adults who have higher nutritional needs.

The Research Details

Researchers visited 90 households in the Niayes area of Senegal and asked families what they ate over the previous 24 hours. They also collected information about food prices from local markets and stores where these families actually shop. The researchers then used a computer program (called linear programming) to find the cheapest combination of foods that would meet all daily nutritional needs. This computer program is like a smart calculator that tests thousands of different food combinations to find the best, most affordable option.

The study focused on three groups of people who need extra nutrition: women who could become pregnant, children under five years old, and elderly people over 60. These groups were chosen because they have higher nutritional needs and are often the most vulnerable to poor nutrition. The researchers measured dietary diversity by counting how many different types of food groups each family ate—with eight or more groups considered good variety.

This research approach is important because it looks at real food choices and real prices in actual communities, not just what nutrition experts think people should eat. By using a computer program to find affordable solutions, the study shows that better nutrition doesn’t always require expensive foods or major lifestyle changes—it might just require eating the right combination of foods already available locally. This is especially valuable in areas affected by poverty and food price increases like those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study has some strengths: it looked at actual household shopping practices and local food prices, and it focused on vulnerable populations who need the most help. However, readers should know that the study only looked at 90 households in one region, so the results may not apply everywhere. The study also only measured what people ate on one day (24-hour recall), which might not show their typical eating patterns. The computer program created an ideal food basket, but the study didn’t test whether families could actually follow this plan or if they would accept eating these foods regularly.

What the Results Show

The researchers found that only 44.4% of households (about 4 out of 10) were eating a good variety of foods from eight or more different food groups. This means more than half of families were eating a limited diet, mostly based on grains like rice and millet, with very little meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, or dairy products.

When the researchers checked if families were getting enough nutrients, they discovered serious gaps. Less than half of the vulnerable groups (pregnant women, young children, and elderly people) were getting enough calcium, folate (a B vitamin), and vitamin D. These nutrients are especially important for bone health, brain development, and fighting infections.

The computer program created an optimized food basket costing about $11.50 per day for a family of 13 people. This basket included nine different food groups and provided all the energy (calories) and protein needed, plus all the important vitamins and minerals. The foods in this basket were all commonly available in local markets and affordable for the communities studied.

The study showed that the problem of poor nutrition got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic because food prices increased significantly. Families had to spend more money for the same foods, which meant they could afford even less variety. The research also revealed that even though some families had access to diverse foods, they weren’t eating them regularly, suggesting that education about nutrition and food planning could help.

This study builds on previous research showing that rural African families often eat monotonous diets lacking in animal proteins and fresh produce. The new contribution here is showing that computer-based planning tools can help solve this problem affordably. Previous studies have identified the problem; this one offers a practical solution using foods and prices from real communities.

The study only looked at 90 households in one region of Senegal, so these results may not apply to other areas with different foods, prices, or cultures. The researchers only asked families about one day of eating, which might not represent their typical diet. The study created an ideal food plan but didn’t actually test whether families could buy these foods consistently or if they would want to eat this combination regularly. Additionally, the study didn’t account for food preparation skills, cultural food preferences, or storage challenges that might prevent families from following the plan.

The Bottom Line

If you live in a rural area with limited food choices and tight budgets, this research suggests you should: (1) Eat a variety of foods from different groups rather than relying on just grains—include some animal protein, vegetables, and fruits when possible; (2) Plan your meals and shopping to make your food budget stretch further; (3) Pay special attention to getting enough calcium (from dairy or leafy greens), folate (from beans and vegetables), and vitamin D (from fish or fortified foods) if you’re pregnant, have young children, or are elderly. These recommendations have moderate confidence because they’re based on one study in one region.

This research is most relevant for families in rural Senegal and similar regions in West Africa with limited food access and tight budgets. It’s especially important for pregnant women, mothers of young children, and elderly people who have higher nutritional needs. Government agencies and organizations working on food security and nutrition in developing countries should also pay attention to these findings. People in wealthy countries with abundant food choices may find the research interesting but less directly applicable to their situation.

If a family starts following the optimized food plan, they should expect to see improvements in their nutrition within a few weeks, though some benefits (like stronger bones from better calcium intake) take months to become noticeable. Energy levels and overall health may improve within 4-8 weeks of consistent better nutrition.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the number of different food groups eaten each day (aim for 8 or more). Users can check off: grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, meat/fish, eggs, dairy, oils, and other foods. This simple count helps monitor dietary diversity without complicated calorie counting.
  • Use the app to create a weekly shopping list based on affordable local foods that covers all nine food groups. The app could suggest seasonal foods and local market prices to help users plan meals that fit their budget while improving nutrition variety.
  • Weekly check-ins to count food group variety and monthly assessments of energy levels and overall well-being. For vulnerable groups (pregnant women, young children, elderly), monthly tracking of specific nutrients like calcium intake through dairy or leafy greens, and vitamin D sources.

This research was conducted in rural Senegal and may not apply to all populations or regions. The study created an ideal food plan but did not test whether families could actually follow it long-term or if it would work in different communities with different foods and prices. Before making major changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have young children, or have health conditions, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice.