Résumé
Legumes play are important for diet and food security of populations in low-income countries. This study aimed at analysing household legume consumption patterns and factors influencing this consumption in Benin, Burkina Faso and Senegal. We used data from the 2018-2019 Harmonized Household Living Conditions Surveys, which included information on food consumption and socio-demographic and economic characteristics of households. The analysis focused on key legumes such as cowpea, groundnut, African locust bean seeds and dry pea. We assessed the consumption frequency and the proportion of households' food expenditure allocated to these legumes. A generalized linear model was run to identify factors associated with legume-related food spending. In all three countries, over 80% of households had consumed at least one legume-based food item during the seven days preceding the survey. However, substantial regional disparities in consumption levels were observed within each country. On average, legumes accounted for 3.4% of household food expenditure in Senegal, 4.5% in Benin, and 8.4% in Burkina Faso. Both legume consumption and expenditure were consistently higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Legume consumption was more prevalent among low-income households, farming households, and those headed by older or less-educated individuals. Further research considering the full diversity of legumes consumed in the three countries is recommended.