Determinants of Household Food Insecurity and Its Association with Child Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of the Literature

Wuyeh Drammeh,A.J Rohana,Noor Aman Hamid

doi:10.12944/crnfsj.7.3.02

Abstract

Food insecurity is a global public health challenge. Household food insecurity is the leading risk factor of malnutrition, claiming approximately 300,000 deaths each year. Whether directly or indirectly, due to inadequate food consumption and poor diet quality, it is also accountable for over half of all deaths among children in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that the prevalence of food-insecure individuals in the area will reach 17 million by the year 2021. Inadequate nutrition may result in low immunity, impaired physical and mental development and reduced productivity among children under five years and throughout the life course. This review article attempts to discuss the various household food insecurity determinants and their association with child malnutrition in a Sub-Saharan Africa context. The purposes of this article are to inform governments, policymakers and service providers regarding the importance of household food security and its determinants on child malnutrition, and to plan strategies to improve the household food security status in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Highlights

Household food insecurity is increasingly known to be a global health problem, especially in SubSaharan Africa.[1]
Data from various studies revealed that problems associated with health and nutrition affect access to quality education and good academic performance in low- and middle-income countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.[45,49]
Food insecurity and lack of education were the main obstacles, and they remain as barriers to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of education in developing countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.[45,49,50]

Summary

Introduction

Household food insecurity is increasingly known to be a global health problem, especially in SubSaharan Africa.[1]. Education helps farmers to adopt new technological inputs into agriculture, the proper application of fertilizers and engagement in other activities to generate income for the household, which enhances the household food security.[48] A higher level of educational attainment amongst the household heads, especially women, influences proper food preparation and good nutrition practices These improve adequate feeding practices to prevent malnutrition among children.[42] Data from various studies revealed that problems associated with health and nutrition affect access to quality education and good academic performance in low- and middle-income countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.[45,49] Food insecurity and lack of education were the main obstacles, and they remain as barriers to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of education in developing countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.[45,49,50]. A younger head of household may contribute positively to the achievement of food security in that household

Findings

Conclusion

Determinants of stunting and poor linear