Planetary health and the promises of plant‐based meat from a sub‐Saharan African perspective: A review

• Published in: Scientific African 2022-09, Vol.17, p.e01304, Article e01304
• Main Authors: Gbejewoh, Omamuyovwi, Marais, Jeannine, Erasmus, Sara Wilhelmina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental health; Human health; Meat alternatives; Meat analogues; South Africa
• ISSN: 2468-2276; 2468-2276
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01304

Increasing population and disposable income has caused a change in the sub-Saharan African diet to more animal sources of protein, especially in the urban areas. Planetary health concerns are bound to be more prominent with this increased consumption. Meat alternatives has emerged as a potential alternative. However, its research in the continent is lacking despite the projected increase in meat consumption in the coming years This review aims to address this gap by examining the available literature regarding plant-based meat alternatives production and consumption. This review found that meat alternatives are similar in nutrient composition to meat, although differences in essential nutrients warrants caution. Furthermore, even though meat alternatives are less environmentally demanding, the potential health concerns demand further study. The review also found that meat is eaten for more than just physiological needs and it has socio-cultural connotations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Consequently, to encourage consumers to substitute their traditional meat, these barriers need to be adequately researched. Regardless, there are various opportunities for plant-based meat adoption; circumstantially evidenced by the increasing demand of vegan and vegetarian products in some parts of SSA. Yet, large-scale adoption of meat alternatives is stymied by limited consumer research in SSA.