Affordability of Healthy and Sustainable Diets in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the cost and affordability of healthy diets in Nigeria. Using the 2015/16 and 2018/19 waves of Nigeria General Household Surveys, we find that, generally, the least-cost options to meet dietary recommendations for vegetables, dairy, and protein-rich foods are more expensive to meet than that of other food groups. Despite improvements during the survey years, the challenges of affordability of healthy diets appear more pronounced in rural than urban, among poorest household groups, and in northern than southern Nigeria. Results suggest that it will be more expensive to meet the dietary recommendation for dairy foods if priority will be given for food systems sustainability over concerns for food preferences of the households. It will however be cheaper to achieve dietary recommendations for vegetables, fruits and starchy staples even when households give more consideration to food systems sustainability than tastes and preferences in their choice of healthy foods. Relative affordability of protein-rich foods are less affected by whether (or not) tastes/preferences or food systems sustainability drives healthy food choices. Key implication is that interventions targeting on affordability of healthy diets should give greater attention to the poorest of the poor, to rural than urban, and to northern than southern Nigeria. Implications relevant for research, policy, and other actors that focus on transformation of the food systems toward achieving healthier diets in a sustainable food systems are discussed.

Protein food consumption among students in a Nigerian university: A demand modelling

“…A proper mix of plant and animal protein foods enhances a balanced provision of dietary protein for the young and the adult lives (Wu, 2016). However, the cost of meeting the recommended level of protein-rich foods in Nigeria is high, accounting for about 28 % of the minimum total cost of diets in 2019 (Mekonnen et al, 2021). A higher proportion of Nigerian households either substitute more expensive animal proteins with plant proteins or consume a greater variety of cheap, calorie-dense cereals and starchy roots and tubers than proteins (Ecker and Hatzenbuehler, 2022).…”

Evaluation of food and nutrition security status of Nigeria preschool children towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 1,2,3 - A review

“…Factors that influence infant and young child feeding practices (IYCFP) and dietary diversity among children in Nigeria are predominantly seasonality, socioeconomic status, food, illiteracy of caregivers, maternal nutrition, maternal education, and environmental factors [19,20].…”

“…In 2020, almost 455 million women and girls lived below the poverty line of USD1.90 per day, while 47 million women were pushed into abject poverty due to covid-19. The consequence is severely felt among under-five children from lowand middle-income households, thereby increasing the risk of malnutrition, food insecurity, and mortality among children [20,21].…”

“…Seasonal vulnerability and climate change significantly influence household food baskets and the dietary diversity of children in Nigeria. Similarly, the impact of ethnicity, geographical location, and hygiene practices on the quality, frequency, and type of food made available and consumed by children in various households cannot be overemphasized [20].…”

“…A study by Matemilola & Elegbede in 2017 reported that the dwindling effect of economic recession and starvation had put many Nigerians at risk of poor nutrition [20,31]. Currently, more than 70% of the disposable income in homes is spent on cheap non-nutritious foods, which is inadequate for optimal well-being and positive health outcomes for children [20,32].…”