Household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age among smallholder farming households in northwest Bangladesh

Despite Bangladesh's remarkable progress in agricultural production over the past few decades, household food and nutrition insecurity persist, especially in rural areas. The nutrition security and dietary diversity are even more critical for women of reproductive age among smallholders. This study examined household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age in the rural areas of northwest Bangladesh. Using cross-sectional data collected from 252 smallholder households, we measured household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women, respectively. Determinants of household food insecurity were examined, and associations between household food insecurity and low dietary diversity were determined. The majority of the households were mildly insecure (51.2%) followed by moderately insecure (27.4%). The households felt anxiety of food insecurity for more than six months a year (Food Security Index = 2.10 out of 4.00). The mean food group consumed by women was 4.63 indicating low dietary diversity and dominance of diets by grains and dark green leafy vegetables. The findings also indicate a significant and positive association between household food insecurity and low dietary diversity of women. Education of household heads, household size, access to information sources, access to credit support, and perceived impacts of climate change on crop production were identified as determinants of household food insecurity. The study recommends that appropriate interventions be formulated to improve the food and nutrition security in the study areas.

Automated summary

Despite Bangladesh's significant progress in agricultural production, household food and nutrition insecurity persist, especially in rural areas, affecting women of reproductive age. This study found that a majority of households in northwest rural Bangladesh are mildly and moderately food insecure, with low dietary diversity dominated by grains and dark green leafy vegetables. Additionally, determinants of household food insecurity were identified, including education level of household heads, household size, access to information sources, access to credit support, and perceived impacts of climate change on crop production. The study recommends appropriate interventions to improve food and nutrition security in the study areas.