Plant-based eating used to be mostly a developed-world trend. It is now gaining ground in developing countries too, driven by environmental concerns, health benefits, and growing awareness of plant-based options.
The environment is a major driver. In many developing countries, animal agriculture is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and a heavy user of water and land. Shifting toward plant-based diets reduces the footprint of what people eat.
Health is the other. Studies link plant-based diets to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. They also tend to be high in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
Availability matters too. As plant-based eating grows worldwide, plant-based products and restaurants have spread into many developing countries, making the switch easier. Expect both trends to keep reinforcing each other.