Within-year changes in households’ access to food in a unimodal climate rural area of Benin Republic

Food insecurity is a concern in Benin not only because of seasonal variations in food availability but also the limited access to food experienced by some households. This study analysed the effect of seasonality on household access to food in a rural area of Benin characterised by a unimodal climate. One hundred and seventy volunteer households were recruited in the study area and monitored during the increased, intermediate and decreased (or lean) food availability periods (FAPs) from September 2018 to July 2019. Socio-demographic data were collected during individual interviews with household heads and used to describe the sample. Data on households’ access to food were collected on a bimonthly basis using a food consumption score (FCS) questionnaire. Food consumption scores were used to divide the households into three food consumption groups (FCGs): poor (FCS ≤ 21), borderline (21.5 ≤ FCS ≤ 35) and acceptable (FCS > 35). Generalized estimate equation (GEE) was used to compare FCGs among the repeated measures. The principal occupation of household heads was agriculture (72.9%) and the mean household size was 6.8±3.6 persons. The FCS ranged from 59.7±15.5 to 69.4±15.9. The lowest FCS was recorded in September (intermediate FAP) whereas the highest was obtained in May (lean FAP). All the households (100%) had acceptable food consumption during the increased FAP (November to January). The proportion of households with acceptable food consumption was 91% in September and decreased from 99% in March to 90% in July, that is, during the lean FAP. On the other hand, the proportion of households with borderline and poor food consumption was 9% in September and increased from 1% in March to 10% in July. The proportions of FCGs obtained in November, January, March and May significantly differed from that of July (p<0.05) whereas there was no significant difference between September and July. Households had frequent (5 to 7 days/week) and regular (all months) intakes of starchy staples, vegetables, meats and fish. In contrast, the frequency of pulses and fruits consumption varied between months. In conclusion, the lean FAP (May to July) and the following intermediate FAP (September) are characterised by a deterioration in households’ access to food. The variation of pulses and fruits consumption throughout the year is the result of food insecurity and constitutes a major risk factor for micronutrient malnutrition for household members.