AN INVESTIGATION INTO FOOD SECURITY ACCESS AND DIETARY DIVERSITY IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA: HOUSEHOLD EXPERIENCES AND RESPONSES TO FOOD INSECURITY

Abstract

Background
Research in the Nsukka Local Government Area (NLGA) of Enugu State in Nigeria has revealed a high rate of poverty and malnutrition in households. These households are likely to face significant food security challenges, though information on how they could achieve food security is limited, and household experiences and coping strategies are unknown.

Aim
This study aimed to investigate the level of food security and household dietary diversity, exploring household food insecurity experiences and coping strategies in the NLGA.

Method
In phase one (quantitative), a random sample of 390 women representing their households from the 20 communities of NLGA was surveyed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) plus demographic characteristics. In phase two (qualitative), two women representing their households were randomly selected from the five most food-insecure communities. A semi-structured interview topic guide containing twenty questions was piloted and adopted.

Findings
Findings from phase one revealed a high level of food insecurity, with approximately 82.6% of households reporting various degrees of food insecurity. Approximately 53.6% of households were at or below the average mean of the HDDS. A significant negative correlation (r = -.35, n = 390, p<.05) was found between HFIAS and HDDS. The factors associated with household food security included age, education, work status, and income. Phase two findings revealed that food sufficiency and affordability rather than nutrition
described household feeding. Most households rarely consume animal protein foods such as eggs, meat, fish, and milk. Safe food consumption was questionable due to food preservation practices. Coping strategies included food compromise, borrowing food and money, and food recycling.

Contribution to knowledge
This research determined the household’s food security and dietary diversity level in NLGA and established their experiences and responses to food insecurity. Combining the quantitative and the qualitative elements from phases one and two enabled the development of a food security SWOT analysis of Nsukka households and a draft roadmap for interventions and assistance programs toward achieving food security. These describe how the findings can be applied to address the challenges of food insecurity in NLGA and similar areas in Nigeria. Policy recommendations to the government include those designed to achieve food security in NLGA through public-private partnerships, nutrition orientation, and food intervention programs.