Assessment of knowledge and use of nutrition-sensitive advisory services among rural farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria

Despite increased agricultural production in Nigeria, malnutrition remains a persistent challenge, particularly among rural farming households. This study assessed rural households’ knowledge of food nutrition components and their use of nutrition-sensitive advisory services (NAS) in Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described households’ socio-economic characteristics, knowledge of food nutrition, extent of NAS use, the relationship between knowledge and NAS use, and determinants of nutrition knowledge. A cross-sectional survey of 390 households was conducted using structured questionnaires. Communities were purposively selected from Agricultural Development Project (ADP) zones where NAS had been implemented, and households were randomly sampled. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and Ordinary Least Squares regression. Findings indicate that households had moderate knowledge of nutrition-sensitive practices (Knowledge Index = 0.65) but low NAS utilisation (Usage Index = 0.47), with 78.9% of households showing low usage. Determinants of nutrition knowledge at p<0.001 included age (β=-0.002), education level (β=0.005), farm size (β=0.031), and amount willing to pay for advisory services (β=6.8 × 10⁻⁵). The study recommends multi-sectoral strategies to improve socio-economic conditions particularly education and income which could enhance households’ nutrition knowledge and NAS utilisation. Targeted interventions, including community-based nutrition education campaigns, are suggested to increase knowledge, promote NAS uptake, and improve nutrition outcomes in rural farming communities.