Quantifying the Contribution of Small-Scale Fisheries to Household Food Security in North East Nigeria

This study quantified the contribution of small-scale fisheries to household food security among rural fishing households in Adamawa and Taraba states, North East Nigeria, applying a multidimensional food security framework. In a region characterised by persistent humanitarian challenges and high food insecurity, small-scale fisheries provide a critical but underquantified food and income safety net. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 220 fishing households using a structured food security measurement tool encompassing food availability, access, utilisation, and stability dimensions. Fisheries-specific data collected included catch volumes, self-consumption proportions, fish sale revenues, and seasonal variability in access. Household dietary recall data were used to compute household dietary diversity scores and per capita protein intake. Regression analysis identified the fisheries variables most strongly predictive of food security outcomes. Results showed that 67 percent of catch volume was sold, with 33 percent retained for household consumption. Fish provided an estimated 48 percent of total household animal protein intake in fishing households. Households with higher self-consumption of fish recorded significantly better dietary diversity scores and lower rates of dietary protein deficiency. Seasonal variation was the strongest single driver of food insecurity, with households reporting up to 65 percent declines in catch availability during the peak dry season. Fisheries income was the primary mechanism linking catch levels to food security, with income used to diversify dietary purchases. The study recommends the integration of fisheries contributions into food security monitoring systems in North East Nigeria and policies supporting year-round production through aquaculture supplementation. Keywords: small-scale fisheries, food security, dietary diversity, North East Nigeria, household survey