Food consumption patterns, nutrient adequacy, and the food systems in Nigeria

Abstract Previous studies in Nigeria examined food and nutrition security mainly using anthropometric indicators, total calorie intake, or the household dietary diversity score (HDDS). However, recent evidence on nutrient gaps, especially from nationally representative surveys, is weak. This study contributes by examining factors influencing mean adequacy HDDS with focus components of systems Nigeria. Based 2015/16 General Household Survey, we found that fruits animal source foods were least consumed groups. Yet, these groups seem to be main sources difference strongly associated probability adequacy, given covariates. Among 11 nutrients under study, large shortfalls observed consumption iron, vitamin B 12 , riboflavin being 0.2 below, followed niacin, C, zinc corresponding ranged between 0.48 0.58. Further, results suggested mobile phone ownership head, household’s access electricity, improved water for consumption, percent community sanitation HDDS. Heterogeneities system drivers are discussed.