Over half of the world’s population live in cities. By 2050, it is expected that almost 7 out of 10 people will reside in cities, with 90% of this growth occurring in Africa and Asia. Urbanisation is linked to increasing rates of overweight and obesity, yet undernutrition is also prevalent in cities. These areas are confronted by an increasingly complex challenge to address malnutrition in all its forms.
This document makes the case for cities to increase their focus on policies and practices that improve the consumption of safe and nutritious food. Urbanisation contributes to shifts in lifestyle, consumption patterns and economic activities, which may lead to adverse outcomes in poor diet and nutrition.
