Food Insecurity and Nutrition Status of Farm Households in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Conquering malnutrition, which is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today requires developing appropriate food security policies. There is a need to continuously assess the state of food insecurity and malnutrition among farm households, this is pivotal in drafting timely polices especially in regions where the populaces are predisposed to malnutrition due to high social inequity, poverty and conflict. This study investigated the food insecurity and nutritional status of farm households in Northwestern Nigeria, using a randomly selected sample of 302 households. Nutrition status of respondents and children between 12 and 59 months were determined. Household dietary diversity and food insecurity data were collected using 24-hours dietary and household food insecurity access scale. Result revealed that a large percentage of households experienced food insecurity with moderate hunger and low diet diversity. Stunting was the most prevalent form of malnutrition among children. Food insecurity was inversely and significantly associated to income and formal education. Also, nutritional status, household diet diversity, stunting and wasting correlated to food insecurity. Agricultural extension agents should embark on food literacy among women. Diversity in production and consumption of staple nutritious crops should be promoted.