Hidden Hunger in Sahelian Cities: Nutrient Adequacy and Food Security in Urban Mali
Mohamed Lamine Dramé, Abdoulaye DIAWARA, Hamadoun GARBA, Bonkana MAIGA, Hamadoun SYLLA, Yacin Guirre OSMAN, Ntcughunene Rokissi Ondombe, Soumaila DIARRA, Bakary DIARRA, Akory Ag Iknane, Fatou Diawara
Asian Food Science Journal
Urban Farm DB summary
A study analyzed food security, dietary diversity and their socio-demographic determinants among households in Bamako, Mali, between 2018 and 2022. Using National Food Security and Nutrition Survey (ENSAN) data on 5,792 households, it applied descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression, with Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS), Food Consumption Scores (FCS) and wealth quintiles as primary predictors. Household diets were cereal-based (99.3%) and largely lacking protein-rich foods such as eggs (20.1%) and legumes (36.7%). The prevalence of food security fell significantly, from 64.5% in 2018 to 59.2% in 2022 (p<0.01). Urban residence and higher education were strong positive predictors of food security (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3, and AOR 2.1, CI 1.7-2.6, respectively), while households in the lowest wealth quintile (AOR 0.4, CI 0.3-0.6) and polygamous households (AOR 0.7, CI 0.5-0.9) showed significantly lower food security. The study concludes that Bamako's food insecurity stemmed from economic instability and educational disparities despite a degree of dietary diversity.