Food environments provide availability and physical access to vegetables in urban Benin and Mali.

objectiveVegetables are a key aspect of a healthy diet, but they are under-consumed throughout West Africa, where there is a lack of evidence on food environments. This study aimed to understand the physical availability of vegetables around schools in urban areas of Benin and Mali, as well as describe other aspects of the food environment.

designThe study used neighbourhood surveys of food outlets around schools in marginalised areas in five cities of Benin and Mali.

settingFood outlets within a 1 km radius of the main public primary schools.

participantsOwners/managers/vendors of food outlets.

resultsVegetables are in general highly available around schools in representative urban areas of both Mali and Benin, with more outlets and more outlet diversity in general in the Benin contexts but a greater proportion of outlets selling vegetables in the Mali contexts. There is nuance, however, in which vegetables are sold (global or traditional vegetables) and what they are sold alongside that provides healthier or unhealthier options for consumers. Quality, convenience, source, cost and promotion were variable across sites.

conclusionThe detailed findings in this study on outlet types, vegetable characteristics and the characteristics of vending are a significant contribution to understanding physical food environments in urban neighbourhoods that can inform policy responses in West Africa and beyond.