Analysis of Household Food and Nutrition Security Status in Sudano Sahelian Region of Northern Nigeria

Food and nutrition security information is a vital component and essential indicator for agriculture and livelihood development. Detailed information and stakeholders' participation in assessing food and nutrition security, especially community and household aspects, is inadequate in the Sudano-Sahelian region. This has necessitated the cross-sectional survey to assess the food and nutrition security status and factors influencing food security in the region. Cross-sectional data were collected from four (4) states (Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Gombe), covering 1,200 households. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire to elicit information on respondents' profiles, food security parameters and other household activities. Descriptive statistics, Food Consumption Score (FCS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), Household Hunger Scale (HHS) and Coping Strategy Index (CSI) and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results show that household demographic characteristics, especially education, access to credit and the market, are essential components for strengthening household income-generating activities in Northern Nigeria. Food insecurity and nutrition deficiency exist among households with average food consumption scores, poor dietary diversity associated with increased hunger and averagely weak coping strategies. The significant factors influencing food security status positively include the volume of output produced, annual income, and access to credit. The output volume produced an annual income essential for strengthening household food and nutrition security in the Sudano-Sahelian Region. The study recommends the need for massive awareness of the importance of producing essential food crops. Their utilisation at the household level is essential to strengthening the food consumption score and dietary diversity by utilising various food groups. Stakeholders, particularly Government, NGOs, INGOs, and donors, should develop and implement measures to facilitate access to Food and basic social services, especially in vulnerable households. Lastly, income diversification and strengthening incentives for increased food production are essential for the households.