We identified factors in the physical food environment that influence dietary behaviours among low-income dwellers in three African cities (Nairobi, Accra, Ho). We used Photovoice with 142 males/females (≥13 years). In the neighbourhood environment, poor hygiene, environmental sanitation, food contamination and adulteration were key concerns. Economic access was perceived as a major barrier to accessing nutritionally safe and healthy foods. Home gardening supplemented household nutritional needs, particularly in Nairobi. Policies to enhance food safety in neighbourhood environments are required. Home gardening, food pricing policies and social protection schemes could reduce financial barriers to safe and healthy diets. •Food safety, physical distance and affordability were important influencers of diet.•Home gardening helps make healthy, safe food more accessible to households.•Economic access was perceived as a major barrier to accessing nutritionally safe and healthy foods.•Policies to enhance food safety in neighbourhood environments are required.•Food pricing policy/social protection could make healthy, safe foods more affordable.