review · Agriculture
Recent increases in food insecurity in Nigeria have created an urgent need to evaluate how the issue is measured across different populations. A systematic review examined seventy-nine studies conducted in Nigeria to understand the tools used to quantify food insecurity. The analysis revealed that eighteen studies relied on the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, thirteen applied the recommended daily calorie requirement approach, and twelve used the Household Food Security Survey Module. Other methods included per capita food expenditure indices, the Food Insecurity Experienced Scale, the Food Consumption Score, and various less standardised metrics. Reported prevalence rates varied widely from 12% to 100%, reflecting both demographic differences and the specific instruments employed. Establishing standardised and context-appropriate measurement tools is necessary to gain an accurate picture of food insecurity and support effective policy responses.
Accurate measurement of food insecurity is essential for designing effective humanitarian and public health interventions. When different studies use inconsistent methods, reported prevalence rates swing wildly, making it difficult for governments and development organisations to understand the true scale of hunger. Standardising these tools helps ensure that resources and food policies reach the communities that need them most.
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Given the recent increase in the number of Nigerians estimated to be at risk of food insecurity, it is crucial to explore the array of tools used to quantify food insecurity (FI). This exploration will help determine the prevalence and severity of FI in Nigeria. This review explored the scope of FI research carried out in Nigeria to examine how the design was quantified. A systematic review was performed to compile the accessible Nigerian studies. Seventy-nine studies were reviewed. Eighteen used the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale module (HFIAS) to investigate FI status; thirteen used the recommended daily calorie requirement approach; twelve employed the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM); ten used the food insecurity index (through household per capita food expenditure); seven used the Food Insecurity Experienced Scale (FIES); two used the Food Consumption Score (FCS); and the others employed less standardized or thorough approaches. Different prevalence levels and gravities of FI in the Nigerian populations were documented. The prevalence of FI varied from 12% to 100%, based on the instrument and demography being studied. In accordance with the findings of this review, the authors propose standardization of the FI instrument and highlight the need for a measurement tool that would be appropriate for the Nigerian setting. This will enable researchers to attain a comprehensive knowledge of the occurrence rate of FI in Nigeria, leading to improved food- and nutrition-sensitive policy development.
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DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13101873
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