Optimizing nutritionally adequate food basket using linear programming in Niayes Households, Senegal

In Senegal, particularly in rural areas, diets are often monotonous and primarily based on cereals, with limited intake of animal proteins, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation by increasing the prices of staple foods, further reducing the quality of household diets. This study aimed to develop a nutritionally adequate and food basket adapted to households in the Niayes area, located along the northern maritime fringe of Senegal. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 90 households to assess dietary diversity of the households and the adequacy of nutrient intake by the daily diet, among vulnerable groups. The results highlight the potential of linear programming as a decision support tool for designing nutritionally adequate food baskets adapted to local contexts.