Determinants of household food security knowledge, attitudes, and practices in northwest Nigeria

A large proportion of Nigerian households experience food insecurity, with nutrition-related morbidity and mortality particularly in the northwest. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 347 adults aged 18–70 years (mean ± SD: 40.7 ± 12.0), selected through multistage sampling across the three senatorial zones. Overall, 59.4% of respondents had adequate knowledge, 68.9% demonstrated positive attitudes, and 57.9% reported satisfactory household food security practices. Adequate knowledge was more common among respondents from extended family households (66.9%, aOR = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.2–22.9), while positive attitudes were highest in the northwest senatorial zone (89.0%, aOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1–9.1). Farming was associated with better practices (68.2%, aOR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9). Knowledge correlated weakly with attitudes ( r = 0.3, p < 0.001) and moderately with practices ( r = 0.5, p < 0.001). Overall, KAP levels were suboptimal, with better knowledge among respondents from the northeast, extended families, and farmers; stronger attitudes among middle-aged adults, those from the northwest, and those with tertiary education; and improved practices among higher-income, employed respondents, and those with prior awareness of household food security. Strengthened governmental and stakeholder interventions are needed to enhance household food security.