Examining the Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Dietary Diversity, and Stunting Among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months in Rural Niger State

Stunting in early childhood is a manifestation of chronic undernutrition with lasting consequences for cognitive development, educational attainment, and economic productivity. The relationship between household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and stunting is well-theorised but requires empirical validation in rural North Central Nigerian settings. This study examined the relationship between food insecurity, dietary diversity, and stunting among children aged six to twenty-three months in rural Niger State. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, with 320 mother-child pairs recruited from eight rural communities across four local government areas. Household food insecurity was assessed using the validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Child dietary diversity was measured with the WHO minimum dietary diversity indicator. Stunting prevalence was determined through length-for-age z-scores using WHO growth standards. Multivariate logistic regression was applied for analysis. Results revealed a stunting prevalence of 42 percent, significantly higher than the national average. Food insecurity and dietary diversity below the minimum threshold were both independently associated with increased stunting odds. The synergistic effect of concurrent food insecurity and low dietary diversity more than doubled the risk of stunting compared to either factor alone. Maternal education and healthcare access were significant protective factors. The study recommends integrated food security and dietary diversification interventions targeting rural households in Niger State. Keywords: stunting, food insecurity, dietary diversity, rural Nigeria, Niger State