Exploring participants insights on the adoption of plant-based diets: South African context
1
Division of Human Nutrition, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
2
Impact and Partnerships Division, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Plant-based diets focus on eating more foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, while reducing the consumption of animal products like meat and dairy (WHO, 2021). Shifting the focus to plant-based food sources can lower non-communicable diseases prevalence and can contribute to the environmental impact sustainability (FAO et al, 2025). This study explored the participants insights on a strategy that aims to promote the consumption of plant-based diets for their health and environmental benefits.
METHODS:
The study design was a Participatory Action Research, using qualitative approach. A total of eight co-creation workshops were conducted in four South African provinces. Data were analysed using ATLAS.ti 24 software, employing systematic coding and a thematic analysis approach to identify patterns, generate themes, and interpret the findings in relation to the study objectives.
RESULTS:
Participants mentioned various factors that should be considered for plant-based diets adoption in South Africa, as the country has a meat-eating culture. Discussions centred on four key areas: enabling consumption, proposed solutions, stakeholders and implementors. To enable consumption, participants highlighted the need for greater affordability and accessibility of plant-based options. Proposed solutions included public awareness campaigns focused on health and environmental benefits, culinary education and supportive government policies. Participants emphasised that a successful strategy requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including government bodies, the food industry, healthcare professionals’ educational institutions and media/influencers. Finally, the group identified implementors as key organisations and individuals, such as public health agencies, NGOs focused on sustainability and food, food service providers and community leaders, who would be responsible for putting the actions into practice at local and national levels.
CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting plant-based diets requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders. The collaborative effort can be through awareness campaigns, workshops, education and policy implementation to encourage healthier food environments.
Plant-based diets focus on eating more foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, while reducing the consumption of animal products like meat and dairy (WHO, 2021). Shifting the focus to plant-based food sources can lower non-communicable diseases prevalence and can contribute to the environmental impact sustainability (FAO et al, 2025). This study explored the participants insights on a strategy that aims to promote the consumption of plant-based diets for their health and environmental benefits.
METHODS:
The study design was a Participatory Action Research, using qualitative approach. A total of eight co-creation workshops were conducted in four South African provinces. Data were analysed using ATLAS.ti 24 software, employing systematic coding and a thematic analysis approach to identify patterns, generate themes, and interpret the findings in relation to the study objectives.
RESULTS:
Participants mentioned various factors that should be considered for plant-based diets adoption in South Africa, as the country has a meat-eating culture. Discussions centred on four key areas: enabling consumption, proposed solutions, stakeholders and implementors. To enable consumption, participants highlighted the need for greater affordability and accessibility of plant-based options. Proposed solutions included public awareness campaigns focused on health and environmental benefits, culinary education and supportive government policies. Participants emphasised that a successful strategy requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including government bodies, the food industry, healthcare professionals’ educational institutions and media/influencers. Finally, the group identified implementors as key organisations and individuals, such as public health agencies, NGOs focused on sustainability and food, food service providers and community leaders, who would be responsible for putting the actions into practice at local and national levels.
CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting plant-based diets requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders. The collaborative effort can be through awareness campaigns, workshops, education and policy implementation to encourage healthier food environments.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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