Food Consumption Patterns of Households in the North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

<strong>This study determined the food consumption pattern and nutritional status of rural households in the North West Region of Cameroon. Multi-stage random sampling was used to select 480 households. Ethical approval/ informed consent were obtained. Structured questionnaires, dietary assessments and focus group discussions provided information on household food consumption pattern and food security. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data and significance at p&lt;0.05 accepted. Data obtained and analyzed showed that 76.5% of households in urban and 100% in rural communities practiced homestead gardening. Medium dietary diversity score was observed in infant and young children 6-59 months of age, women of reproductive age and households in the urban and rural communities. Food intake was adequate in quantity, not quality in both communities. Urban households had moderate food insecurity as compared to the rural households. Severe food insecurity was observed more in rural households as compared to urban households. Corn fufu with huckleberry were the most frequently consumed meals with little or no animal source protein. Protein and B group vitamins intake of respondents in both communities were below the FAO/WHO recommended values while energy, iron, vitamin A and C were in excess for most age groups. </strong>