Modelling the Relationship Between Traditional Food Systems, Cultural Beliefs, and Micronutrient Adequacy Among Rural Women in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria

Traditional food systems are deeply embedded in cultural identity and may simultaneously promote and constrain micronutrient adequacy. In rural Zamfara State, cultural food taboos, gender-specific food distribution norms, and reliance on monotonous traditional diets create conditions of micronutrient deficiency risk among women. This study modelled the relationship between traditional food system engagement, cultural food beliefs, and micronutrient adequacy among rural women in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, with 260 women of reproductive age recruited through cluster sampling from six rural local government areas. Traditional food system engagement was assessed using a validated traditional diet score. Cultural food belief and taboo data were collected through structured questionnaires. Micronutrient adequacy was evaluated through 24-hour dietary recall and nutrient analysis relative to FAO/WHO standards for iron, zinc, vitamin A, and folate. Structural equation modelling was used to test hypothesised pathways. Results revealed that traditional food system engagement had direct positive associations with iron and zinc adequacy through plant food diversity. Cultural food taboos, particularly those restricting animal-source food consumption, partially mediated this relationship negatively. Younger women with secondary education showed reduced adherence to restrictive food taboos. The study recommends culturally sensitive nutrition communication strategies that build on traditional food assets while addressing restrictive food beliefs in rural Zamfara State. Keywords: traditional food systems, cultural food beliefs, micronutrient adequacy, rural women, Zamfara State