Women’s empowerment and household food security in rural Southwest Nigeria: Evidence from dietary diversity and ordered logistic analysis

Purpose. This study examines how women’s empowerment relates to household food security, using dietary diversity as evidence from rural households in Ekiti, Ondo, and Oyo States in Southwest Nigeria. It examines whether empowered women are better able to secure adequate, diverse diets for their households, thereby reducing food insecurity. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 441 women aged 25–60 years from rural households selected through a multistage random sampling procedure. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed with descriptive statistics, ordered logistic regression and binary logit models in STATA. Household food insecurity was measured using an adapted Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and dietary quality was assessed using a modified Household Dietary Diversity Score based on six food groups. The study is anchored on Kabeer’s Resources–Agency–Achievements framework and the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Results. Most households were food insecure, with high prevalence of worry about food insufficiency, meal skipping, and running out of food. Reliance on cereal-based staples was common, while access to meal replacement foods was low. Households where women made decisions alone had significantly higher odds of severe food insecurity, whereas regular consumption of fruits, meal replacement foods and diverse diets was associated with lower food insecurity. Women’s ownership and control of assets and time were linked to a reduced likelihood of running out of food, while exposure to gender-based violence increased this likelihood. Theoretical and practical contribution. The study shows that empowering women enhances dietary adequacy and reduces hunger, aligning with SDGs 2, 3 and 5, and highlights the need to address barriers to women’s agency and household food access in rural Nigeria. SDG 2: Zero hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities