Food intake among smallholder cassava value chain households

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare food consumption and dietary diversity in smallholder cassava value chain households (CVCHs) and non-cassava value chain households (non-CVCHs). Design/methodology/approach A total of 572 rural households were selected using multi-stage sampling from Oyo and Kwara states, Southwest Nigeria. Socio-demographic, 24 h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaires were used to collect data. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W) were measured. Findings The mean age of respondents was 49.1 ± 17.3 years, 68.3 per cent were female, household sizes ranged from 2-20 with an average of 8 members. Most households consumed monotonous staple-based diets mainly from roots and tubers, cereals and legumes. There was no significant difference in HDDS (6.70 ± 1.37 and 6.77 ± 1.12; p = 0.12) and MDD-W (4.78 ± 1.12 and 4.95 ± 1.16; p = 0.09) for CVCH and non-CVCH respectively. About one-third of all women did not achieve the MDD-W score required for micronutrient adequacy, with the main dietary gap being vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables. Practical implications The findings suggest that there was no influence of households’ involvement in cassava value chain activities on their pattern of food consumption and dietary diversity. Originality/value While cassava value chain activities have potential for improved livelihoods among its actors, a nutrition-sensitive approach needs to be incorporated to translate this into their improved food consumption, dietary diversity and nutritional (particularly micronutrient) status.

Investigating food insecurity, health and environment-related factors, and agricultural commercialization in Southwestern Nigeria: evidence from smallholder farming households

“…The cassava production in Africa reached 192 million and is recognized as the largest cassava growing region, while Nigeria retained the top spot as the highest producer of the crop in Africa and globally with about 59 million tons and 19.50% share of world total production in 2019 (FAOSTAT 2021 ; Otekunrin et al 2021c ). Cassava in believed to be one of the most valued crop both by production and consumption in Nigeria (Otekunrin and Sawicka 2019 ; SAHEL, 2016 ; Samuel et al 2019 ; Otekunrin et al 2021c ). Ninety percent of cassava produce are consumed as food in the country but nearly 10% is utilized for industrial consumption with less than 1% cassava export opportunity (Otekunrin and Sawicka 2019 ; Otekunrin et al 2021c ).…”

The ‘Nigerian Diet’ and Its Evolution: Review of the Existing Literature and Household Survey Data

“…The general agreement in the literature has been that a traditional Nigerian diet was high in carbohydrates and fibre, low-to-moderate in fats, and relatively low in protein [1,2,[5][6][7][14][15][16][17][18][19]. The 2018 LSMS survey [12], which enquired from more than 5000 households across the country what foods they had consumed in the preceding week, suggested that Nigerian reliance on carbohydrates for calories has continued, even though it is slightly below the sub-Saharan African average of 71%, at about 69% of daily energy intake per capita [20].…”

“…Further apprehension about the typical Nigerian diet has revolved around the diet's relatively high reliance on carbohydrates for energy and frequently low dietary diversity [33]. Some scholars have highlighted the consequently higher risks of nutritional and particularly protein and micronutrient deficiencies, potentially leading to arrested bone growth [5,17]. This issue has been particularly notable among young children, who are often weaned on cereal pap, with little intake of other food groups [34][35][36].…”