Impact of north-south migration on eating habits: A comparative study of northern populations living in Côte d'Ivoire

Internal migration in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly from the north to the south, influences the dietary habits of populations. However, few studies have examined the effects of these migrations on the eating practices of internal migrants from the northern regions in Côte d'Ivoire. This cross-sectional study compared the dietary habits of 210 people from the Sénoufo and Tagbanan ethnic groups, who originated from the north (Korhogo, Katiola) and currently reside in the south (Abidjan, Grand-Bassam). Structured interviews and questionnaires using the food frequency method were used to collect sociodemographic and the dietary habits data of the populations. The results showed that northern migrants settled in the south adopt typical southern dishes, such as seed and okra sauces, accompanied by foods like attiéké and placali, along with animal proteins like fish and offal. They also consume more processed foods, including fast foods and industrial dairy products (Dèguè, cheese) compared to those who remained in the north. On the other hand, the populations living in the north maintain more traditional diets, with a higher consumption of local cereals and tubers (millet, maize, and yam) and vegetables (light sauces and leaf-based dishes). In conclusion, internal migration from the north to the south of Côte d'Ivoire leads to substantial changes in dietary habits, with a shift toward more urban and processed diets among migrants. These changes may affect the health of these populations, and exploring this would be essential to prevent the risk of chronic diseases.