Knowledge and Practice of Food Preservation Methods Among Rural Women in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Post-harvest food losses due to inadequate preservation practices remain a major contributor to food insecurity in rural Nigeria, particularly in agrarian communities. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of food preservation methods among rural women in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with structured questionnaires and interview schedules administered to 200 rural women selected through multistage sampling across four local government areas in the state. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square statistics. Results indicated that the majority of women were familiar with traditional food preservation methods such as sun-drying, smoking, and salting, but knowledge of improved methods like solar drying, fermentation management, and hermetic storage was limited. Educational level and participation in agricultural extension programmes were positively associated with knowledge of improved preservation techniques. Practice of food preservation was constrained by limited access to preservation equipment, inadequate storage facilities, and cultural norms discouraging adoption of new methods. The study recommends that the Kebbi State Agricultural Development Programme intensify extension outreach on improved food preservation technologies and provide subsidised access to storage equipment for rural women's groups. These findings underscore the need for gender-responsive post-harvest management strategies in North West Nigeria. Keywords: food preservation, rural women, Kebbi State, post-harvest losses, food security