URBAN FOOD DIVERSIFICATION AND DIETARY OUTCOMES IN A MEDIUM-SIZED CITY: EVIDENCE FROM CIREBON, INDONESIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.4816Keywords:
Urban Food Diversification, Dietary Outcomes, Urban Food Systems, Food Consumption Patterns, Stakeholder Governance, IndonesiaAbstract
Urban food diversification has become increasingly important in improving dietary quality and food system resilience, particularly in medium-sized cities where structural constraints limit food production and distribution capacity. This study examines the relationship between urban food diversification and dietary outcomes in Cirebon, Indonesia, by analysing food availability, consumption patterns, and stakeholder governance within an urban food system framework. A mixed-methods case study approach was employed, combining secondary data analysis of food availability and consumption indicators with qualitative insights from key stakeholders representing the pentahelix model. Dietary outcomes were assessed using the Food Pattern Score (PPH) to evaluate the diversity and balance of food consumption over the period 2019–2024. The findings indicate that overall food availability in Cirebon is sufficient; however, stability varies across food groups, with strategic commodities such as fish, chili, and shallots remaining vulnerable to price and supply fluctuations. Despite gradual improvements in dietary diversity, PPH values consistently remain below the ideal benchmark, reflecting persistent reliance on rice-based and animal-source foods and limited consumption of locally available food groups. Governance analysis further reveals the dominance of government actors and weak multi-stakeholder collaboration, constraining the effective utilisation of local food resources for diversification. This study provides empirical evidence from a medium-sized city context, highlighting the need for integrated urban food system governance and targeted dietary interventions to strengthen food diversification and improve dietary outcomes in rapidly urbanising regions.
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