Nutrition patterns
As a culturally diverse country, Switzerland faces the challenge how healthy nutrition may be promoted for different population groups. On the other hand, preferences for specific foods differ according to the cultural roots.
Factsheet
-
Schools involved
School of Health Professions
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences - Institute(s) Agriculture
- Research unit(s) International Agriculture and Rural Development
- Funding organisation BFH
- Duration 01.01.2015 - 31.12.2018
- Head of project Dr. Pascale Waelti
-
Project staff
Dr. Karin Zbinden Gysin
Dr. Franziska Pfister
Dr. Karin Haas
Dr. Pascale Waelti
Situation
By gaining insight into Somali nutritional habits in their home country and in Switzerland, the reasons behind the food choices and their evolution, the project will identify resources and challenges for healthy food habits.
Course of action
The project aims at assessing how rural migrant populations from pastoral societies adapt their nutrition patterns when moving to industrialized countries. The reasons behind food choices and the impact on balanced nutrition are analyzed additionally for the two settings. The focus lies on the Somali community. Intervention needs and resources to promote healthy lifestyle changes will be identified and enable the planning of further project stages.
