Analysis of Household Dietary Diversity and Its Determinants Among Farm Families in Zamfara State

Household dietary diversity is a widely validated proxy indicator for nutritional adequacy and diet quality, reflecting the ability of households to access diverse food groups through production, purchase, or social transfers. In Zamfara State, in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone, persistent food insecurity and limited market development constrain dietary diversity for rural farming households. This study analyses household dietary diversity scores and their determinants among farm families in Zamfara State. Cross-sectional data were collected from 240 farming households using the Food and Agriculture Organisation's Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women tool and Household Dietary Diversity Score instrument. Structured questionnaire data on farm income, crop diversity, market access, gender dynamics, and household composition were also collected. A Tobit regression model was applied given the bounded nature of dietary diversity scores. Results indicate a mean household dietary diversity score of 3.8 out of a possible 12 food groups, indicating low diversity concentrated in starchy staples, legumes, and occasional dairy. Farm income level, market distance, female household head education, and on-farm crop portfolio diversity were the most significant positive determinants of dietary diversity. Male household head asset control was negatively associated with female dietary diversity, suggesting intra-household allocation disadvantages. The study concludes that dietary diversity improvements in Zamfara require simultaneous action on farm income enhancement, market access improvement, and gender-responsive resource allocation at the household level. Recommendations target the social protection and agricultural extension systems. Keywords: dietary diversity, farm households, Zamfara State, nutrition, food security