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Food insecurity among adolescent girls who are mothers (10–19 years) in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

  • Publication | 2026
Global Food and Nutrition Security

The population of adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is projected to reach approximately 160 million by 2030, with nearly one-third expected to transition into motherhood. Despite this, there persists a significant knowledge gap regarding the dynamics of food insecurity among adolescent mothers in a region. This scoping review examines the drivers, coping strategies and mental, sexual and reproductive health impacts of food insecurity among adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19 in sub-Saharan Africa. Thematic analysis revealed that the drivers of food insecurity were economic (poverty and economic constraints), social (stigma, family size, and caregiving responsibilities), and ecological (infertile land) factors. Coping strategies included economic-based activities, reliance on social support, and high-risk behaviours. Food insecurity had ripple effects on sexual and reproductive health, including coerced, age-disparate, and substance-influenced sex, and adverse mental health outcomes such as depression and suicide attempts. This review highlights the need for further research to drive meaningful advancements in policy and practice related to food security among adolescent mothers in SSA.

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Authors
Suliat Fehintola Akinwande; Kehinde Oluwatosin Akinwande; Tanzil Islam; Carmen Logie
Publisher
PLoS One
Geographic coverageSub-Saharan Africa
Available from

07 Oct 2026

Knowledge service | MetadataGlobal Food and Nutrition Security | Food crises and food and nutrition securityGender Equality and Food Systems
Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET)Youthgender equalitywomanpovertysocial inequalityfood security
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