Pathways to Food Security: The Role of Farm Production Diversity in Rural Households in Bangkalan, Madura Island

Farm production diversity (FPD) is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of food and nutrition security, particularly in rural areas dominated by subsistence farming. This study aims to assess the impact of FPD on the dietary diversity of maize farming households (MFHs) in Bangkalan Regency, Madura Island, Indonesia. Data was collected from 74 households using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, while dietary data were obtained through the 24-hour recall method. Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS) were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. The results show that maize and rice were the main cereals consumed by all households, while milk was the least consumed food group (1%). FPD originated from three sources: cultivated crops, home gardens, and livestock. Most households (58.1%) had medium dietary diversity, followed by high (35.14%) and low (6.76%) diversity. The analysis indicates a significant positive relationship between higher FPD and improved dietary diversity. Other significant predictors of HDDS included education level, total income, and government assistance. These findings highlight the importance of promoting agricultural diversification as a strategic approach to improving rural household nutrition and strengthening sustainable food systems in dryland farming regions.