South African consumers’ nutrition and food safety practices and behaviour impact on their health and well-being. According to the WHO linkages of health to poverty reduction and to long-term economic growth are powerful as the burden of disease in some low-income regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa, stands as a stark barrier to economic growth and therefore must be addressed in any comprehensive development strategy. The focus of this research group is therefore to study the factors that influence nutritional status and food safety practices of various consumer groups. A multidisciplinary approach to study health and well-being could impact on the socio-economic status of consumers through educational interventions in the areas where knowledge regarding nutrition and food safety practices are lacking.
A combination of clinical and situational based analysis with softer consumer behavioural research of the attitudes, perceptions and motivations that drive consumer decisions and behaviour, form a comprehensive understanding of the health and well-being of consumers. The theme offers potential to develop a database which could assist in studying occurrences of and relationships between different influencing factors. It also serves to support the identification and development of research instruments and research projects that will assist in a better understanding of the health and well-being behaviour within the South African context.
The goal of this research group is to research relevant topics in food and nutrition in South Africa through means of consumer behaviour approaches, nutritional assessments, nutritional analysis, surveys and various other methods to gather information on the relevant topic. The goal of this group is to enable the development of specific educational material to inform and educate consumers regarding the topic researched by the group. The goal of this research group is also to accommodate a diversity of specialists in consumer behaviour research, nutrition, food scientists and food in general to research different areas of the topic.
Should you require any further information please contact Prof Elizabeth Kempen at kempeel@unisa.ac.za
Last modified: 2023/08/07