Professor Tolu Oni, Director, GDAR Network As GDARSpaces comes to a close after eight years of collaborative research, I find myself reflecting on what this journey has meant, for the consortium, for our partners, and for me personally. When we began in 2017, the Global Diet and Activity Research (GDAR) Network started with a simple … Continue reading GDAR reflections
Eight years of GDAR Research
This report summarises the key findings, messages, and lessons learned by the GlobalDiet and Activity Research (GDAR) Network. Since 2017, we have been producing and synthesising evidence on the sustainable prevention of non-communicable diseases through the creation of built and food environments that support optimal physical activity and diet across Global South cities. This report … Continue reading Eight years of GDAR Research
Third Kisumu stakeholder consultation
Brian Otieno writes about the third stakeholder consultation in Kisumu. This blog post was originally published in The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Bulletin (Issue 155, p. 10) “When you send away the CHAMA member from your house, you may be in trouble because even the bed you sleep on might have been bought by … Continue reading Third Kisumu stakeholder consultation
A journey through the 11th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) in Bangkok, Thailand
From 7 to 9 August 2025, Edwin Ngwa, GDAR project coordinator in Yaounde, represented GDAR at the 11th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) in Bangkok, Thailand. This high-impact global health event was profoundly insightful, and brought together more than 400 participants comprising health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and changemakers from 54 countries, who engaged under … Continue reading A journey through the 11th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) in Bangkok, Thailand
What is driving the Nutrition Transition in Kenya and what are the consequences?
José Izcue Gana, GDAR and MRC Epidemiology Unit PhD student, describes his recent data collection experience in Kenya. His PhD explores how the built environment influences diet and physical activity, and finding policy levers and opportunities for interventions. I landed in Kisumu on the 20th of July. The city, located almost exactly on the equator, … Continue reading What is driving the Nutrition Transition in Kenya and what are the consequences?
Urban design and sustainability
Applying a globally know metric to evaluate the local walk-friendly places Urban spaces are recognised as important determinants of health, in which changing the social, natural, and physical environment can promote healthy behaviour. While each city has local demands and priorities, a minimum level of infrastructure—safety, access, and diversity of services—is essential for people to … Continue reading Urban design and sustainability
Tackling Syndemic in Diet and Activity Behaviour in Climate Change Hazards Policies in Lagos, Nigeria
Professor Vide Adedayo represented GDAR at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geography (CAG), hosted by Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada between 20th to 23rd May, 2025. The theme of the conference was ‘Confluence", a metaphor for the intersections and interconnections that underpin geography as disciplines. GDAR participation included a presentation from … Continue reading Tackling Syndemic in Diet and Activity Behaviour in Climate Change Hazards Policies in Lagos, Nigeria
Take care of the environment, take care of the people, take care of the future
2025 International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) conference In June 2025, the GDAR team joined the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) conference in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. With a strong presence from the GDAR network, the conference was an opportunity to share our work, connect with others in … Continue reading Take care of the environment, take care of the people, take care of the future
Climate events, health, and community resilience in the Global South: A multi-site participatory study and the Belo Horizonte, Brazil case
As climate change accelerates, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe around the world. In Belo Horizonte, Brazil, seasonal rains often lead to devastating floods, landslides, and inundations—events that not only cause significant damage to infrastructure and property but also pose serious threats to public health and social well-being. These disasters don’t just … Continue reading Climate events, health, and community resilience in the Global South: A multi-site participatory study and the Belo Horizonte, Brazil case
The challenges of diet and activity
International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods Between April 27 and 30, Gospel Ikpotokin-Ab, GDAR and University of Cambridge MPhil student, attended the International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods in Toronto, Canada. The conference brought together diet and physical activity scientists and practitioners from around the world to share research, deliberate, and give forecasts … Continue reading The challenges of diet and activity