Food-based dietary guidelines in Africa and their inclusivity of plant-based dietary patterns

We’re proud to announce that a new peer-reviewed study led by PAN South Africa, titled “Food-based dietary guidelines in Africa and their inclusivity of plant-based dietary patterns”, was published on 11 August 2025 in the special issue of the South African Journal of Science (SAJS).

The study examined the status of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) across Africa, highlighting both the progress made and the opportunities that remain. Findings show that only 12 African countries currently have official national dietary guidelines. This means that across most of the continent, there is still no formal, evidence-based guidance on what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet, despite its vital role in improving health outcomes, supporting resilient food systems, and guiding policy.

Significantly, many of the existing guidelines are newly developed or recently updated, reflecting rapid momentum across the continent. This presents a unique opportunity to ensure future FBDGs are comprehensive, culturally relevant, and aligned with both health and sustainability goals.

South Africa ranked highest in the study’s Balanced Food Choice Index, not because our guidelines are perfect, but because they are the most detailed and comprehensive, covering a wide range of foods, nutrients, and practical advice for the public. This underscores what is possible when guidelines are robust and well-resourced.

The findings highlight a clear opportunity: to expand the reach of FBDGs in Africa and use them as powerful tools for healthier populations and stronger, more sustainable food systems. PAN South Africa remains committed through the Dietary Guidelines Initiative, advocating for plant-forward, culturally inclusive, and sustainable dietary guidance across the continent.

Spotlight on our research: Climate and Health Africa Conference 2024

At the Climate and Health Africa Conference 2024 (CHAC2024) in Harare, Zimbabwe, our team joined global leaders and experts in tackling the urgent intersection of climate change and public health. We were honoured to contribute to this movement, sharing insights on the role of nutrition in building a healthier, more sustainable future for Africa.

Our team members, Pierrette Nhlapo, RD and Dr. Nanine Wyma, presented a poster based on this research, highlighting the importance of integrating plant-based approaches into Africa’s food-based dietary guidelines. Our team also delivered a talk on how dietary guidelines can serve as policies for healthier, sustainable, and culturally inclusive diets across the continent.

Discover Our Research

Explore the poster on food-based dietary guidelines and the inclusion of plant-based nutrition in Africa, presented at CHAC2024.