Dietary Options for Optimum Health in a Changing Climate in Developing Countries

With global warming on everyone’s agenda and livestock production responsible for more than 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa and the rest of the developing countries need to prepare for the health impact on local communities.   Conventional farming makes unsustainable demands on natural resources of land and water, is a pollutant, and a danger to human health in terms of antibiotic resistance and over-consumption.  Extensive agriculture can assist in climate change mitigation and adaptation.  How we grow food and what food we grow for the people in developing countries will determine their survival.  This paper/presentation will be looking at the benefits of choosing a diet that is environmentally friendly and vital for our communities.  With the world population expected to be nine billion people by 2050 and seven billion of them residing in developing countries, it is time we plan for a sustainable and healthy future for all.

 Keywords: Antibiotics, nutrition, diet, consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, organic farming.