Scaling up Green Leafy Vegetables into street foods in West Africa: A case study of Burkina Faso

Author : Nombre Apollinaire, Janvier Egah, Harriette Snoek, Ireen Raaijmakers, Youri Dijkxhoorn

Abstract :Malnutrition, exacerbated by inadequate vegetable consumption, is a significant contributor to poor health outcomes in urban and urban populations. This study explores the feasibility and scalability of integrating green leafy vegetables (GLVs) into street food offerings in urban and peri-urban Burkina Faso. A multistage intervention involving 40 street food vendors (SFVs) was implemented. Data was collected to assess changes in vegetable availability, consumer satisfaction, and vendor participation. The findings highlight the potential of this light-touch approach to impact both vendors and consumers positively. In particular, about 77% of SFV in Burkina Faso continued to offer additional vegetables after six months. Despite challenges such as increased workload for vendors, the intervention demonstrated that strategic partnerships and consumer awareness are vital for sustaining vegetable integration in urban food systems. This paper highlights key lessons and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to address urban malnutrition through scalable food interventions.

Keywords :Malnutrition, green leafy vegetables, street food, urban Burkina Faso, food intervention

Conference Name :International Conference on Preventive Nutrition and Food Engineering (ICPNFE-25)

Conference Place ACCRA, Ghana

Conference Date 31st May 2025