Behind the plate: revealing the drivers of women's food choices in Senegal

Abstract

Women's eating practices in Senegal are shaped by intersecting economic, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases. This study examines key determinants of food choices among women across income levels and urban–rural settings, using a mixed-methods design based on the 2021 National Survey on Food Consumption in Senegal conducted by Consortium pour la Recherche Economique et Sociale. The quantitative analysis included 1764 women, while the qualitative component comprised 31 focus group discussions and 6 in-depth interviews. Quantitative findings indicate that freshness, hygiene, and price are primary purchase criteria, with freshness cited by 88 % of women in the richest quintile versus 60 % in the poorest (χ² = 92.59, p < 0.001; Cramér's V = 0.227), showing a moderate effect of income. Hygiene followed a similar trend (Cramér's V = 0.156), whereas price was universally cited (Cramér's V = 0.03). Women in lower-income households favour affordable, energy-dense foods, while wealthier women prioritise taste, convenience, and packaging. Qualitative analyses further reveal gender roles, cultural and religious taboos, and advertising shape choices, creating implicit pressure to prepare flavourful meals despite health risks. Media exposure enhances the appeal of ultra-processed products as symbols of modernity. Urban–rural disparities in food availability influence dietary diversity and nutritional outcomes. These findings underscore the complexity of food decision-making and highlight the need for culturally grounded, context-sensitive interventions that promote nutritional awareness and healthier diets tailored to socioeconomic realities and women's central role in household food provisioning.