The Katsina State Government has launched a statewide survey aimed at understanding the scope of malnutrition among children under five years old, as well as assessing the food security status at both household and community levels throughout the state’s 34 Local Government Areas.
The Acting Governor, Faruq Lawal Jobe, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tanimu Dutsinma, explained that the primary goal of the survey is to gather data on the prevalence of malnutrition among young children and to better understand the food security situation within communities.
“This survey will help us explore the extent of malnutrition in children under five, and it will also assess the food security levels of households and communities across the state,” Jobe stated during the launch on Tuesday in Katsina.
The survey will focus on identifying which areas are most affected by malnutrition and food insecurity. It will also gather vital information to assess the vulnerability of households to these issues and determine where the greatest need for intervention exists.
Jobe added that the state government is already implementing a variety of measures to address food insecurity, such as providing subsidized fertilizers and procuring 400 new tractors to support farmers.
These interventions, he noted, aim to boost agricultural production and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.
“This survey will allow us to collect reliable data that will help guide future policy decisions and interventions aimed at improving nutrition and food security, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
“The findings will also help us monitor our progress and ensure our efforts are effective,” he said.
Earlier, Sheikh Ahmad Filin-Samji, Chairman of the committee overseeing the survey, explained that the initiative is a comprehensive exercise covering over 8,500 households. The data will be collected by 200 trained enumerators, with supervisors and data monitors ensuring accuracy and transparency throughout the process.
Professor Saifullahi Sani, the State’s Statistician General, emphasized the importance of preventing malnutrition.
He explained that addressing the issue before it becomes widespread is the most effective strategy, rather than spending resources on treatment after the fact.
“This survey will give us the data we need to prevent malnutrition and plan for long-term solutions,” said Sani.
