Title : From science to the plate: Innovative strategies to transform the nutrition of tomorrow
Abstract:
The rapid nutrition transition observed in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is characterized by the persistent coexistence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a concerning rise in diet-related non-communicable diseases. This double burden of malnutrition represents a major public health challenge and calls for innovative approaches grounded in robust scientific evidence and tailored to local contexts.
This work, derived from academic and scientific activities conducted at the University of Abomey-Calavi, examines integrated technical strategies aimed at translating advances in nutritional sciences into effective and sustainable dietary interventions. It emphasizes the optimization of dietary quality through the biofortification of local staple crops, the reformulation of processed foods, and the improvement of food processing techniques to preserve the bioavailability of essential nutrients.
The proposed approach is based on a multidisciplinary framework combining public health nutrition, food science, nutritional epidemiology, and sustainable food systems. Particular attention is given to the use of digital tools and analytical models for monitoring dietary intake, assessing nutritional risks, and designing targeted interventions that account for the socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral determinants of food consumption.
Furthermore, the role of nutrition policies, food and nutrition education, and community engagement is examined as a critical lever to ensure the acceptability, adoption, and long-term sustainability of the proposed strategies. The findings highlight that the effective integration of scientific research into everyday dietary practices can significantly contribute to reducing nutritional inequalities, improving public health indicators, and strengthening the resilience of local food systems.
By closely linking science to the plate, this work proposes a strategic roadmap for the development of innovative nutritional solutions that are adapted to African realities and transferable to global contexts, with the aim of building healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable nutrition for future generations.
Keywords: Public Health Nutrition, Sustainable Food Systems, Biofortification, Nutritional Innovation, Nutrition Transition.
