A new study on dietary guidelines in Africa found that while traditional diets across most of the continent are predominantly plant-based, national dietary policies aren't reflective of this.
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Food-based dietary guidelines in Africa and their inclusivity of plant-based dietary patterns, published in the special issue of the South African Journal of Science (SAJS) on ‘Sustainable Food Systems’, examined the state of food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) across Africa and identified opportunities to make them more inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of local food cultures.
Plant-forward diets
Plant-forward diets, rich in whole foods, vegetables, and legumes, and low in ultra-processed foods and processed meats, can play a vital role in addressing food insecurity, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and climate change.
Plant-based diets, which have the lowest carbon footprint, are increasingly featured in global dietary recommendations, including the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet.
Led by the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa, in collaboration with North-West University and international researchers, this study is the first comprehensive review of African FBDGs and their inclusivity of plant-based dietary patterns.
A previous study in 2022 found that only seven African countries had guidelines, none of which mentioned sustainability. This new research shows evident progress, with 12 countries now having guidelines and growing recognition of sustainability as a priority.
The countries with official FBDGs are Benin, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania. Official reports suggest that more African countries are developing dietary guidelines, including Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Uganda.
The study recognises these nations for taking concrete steps to provide citizens with official guidance on healthy eating.
Researchers assessed each country’s FBDGs using the Balanced Food Choice Index (BFCI), which measures the inclusion of healthy, sustainable, and plant-based principles.
Sustainable food systems
“These food-based dietary guidelines are powerful tools to shape healthier and more sustainable food systems,” said Dr Nanine Wyma, lead author and executive director of PAN South Africa.
“Across the continent, there is an urgent need to develop guidelines that champion the rich variety of locally available, nutrient-dense plant-based foods, such as legumes, grains, and indigenous fruits and vegetables, that are part of Africa’s heritage and key to its future.”
Among the 12 countries, South Africa ranked highest with a score of 53, offering clear recommendations on vegetarian diets, guidance on nutrients such as vitamin B12, and plant-based sources of protein, iron, and calcium, along with a mention of sustainability.
South Africa provides a comprehensive position on vegetarian diets, recommending a vegetarian meal at least once a week.
Africa is currently facing a double burden of malnutrition.
Marina Mastrorillo, Chun Song, Grazia Pacillo and Victor Villa 3 hours Hunger and undernutrition persist, while rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related NCDs are rising.
The study states: “The NCD-protective benefit of plant-based dietary patterns is only explained in the FBDGs from South Africa and Zambia.
“Rising burdens of NCDs across Africa require diverse solutions, and plant-based dietary shifts could alleviate burdens of disease and healthcare costs.”
More can be done to advocate for diets rich in healthy plant-based foods as a solution to chronic NCDs.
While global consensus recommends reducing meat consumption to lower environmental impact, sustainability is mentioned in just three African FBDGs.
Zambia stands out for its efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use, and the benefits of legumes for improving soil health.
As Zambia’s FBDGs 2021 note: “Eating a diet predominantly based on whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, fish and insects is not only good for our health, but it is good for planetary health too... Such a dietary pattern also reduces water and land use, slows deforestation and reduces the destruction of topsoil, among other benefits. ”
Ola Anabtawi and Berta Valente 1 day Misconceptions
The study also reveals that many African FBDGs lack clear guidance on critical nutrients, particularly for those who limit their intake of animal products, such as vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Some guidelines perpetuate misconceptions that plant-based diets are nutritionally inadequate.
Instead of focusing only on nutrient gaps, the authors highlight the opportunity to incorporate practical strategies, such as combining iron-rich plants with vitamin C to boost iron absorption, into official advice.
Food processing techniques may also improve micronutrient bioavailability in plant-based foods. Supplementation and fortification are also important strategies to ensure nutritionally adequate diets.
Africa urgently needs more official guidance on what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet. Twelve national guidelines are an improvement, but not enough to truly address the continent’s nutrition crises.
Africa has the fewest number of food-based dietary guidelines of any continent, yet it has the highest rates of hunger and food insecurity.
This was underscored in the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2025) report, launched at the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake, which PAN South Africa attended.
The researchers urged governments and regional bodies such as the FAO to continue expanding and updating their guidelines, ensuring they are inclusive, evidence-based, and culturally relevant.
