Influence of Market Access on Household Food Consumption Pattern in Imo State, Nigeria
Published: 14-10-2024
Page: 961-971
Issue: 2024 - Volume 3 [Issue 4]
Agugo, Udodiri Agatha *
Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Agugo, Chizimibe Modestus
Department of Economics and Developmental Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike-Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Uchegbulem-Asiegbu, Nwaoma Pauline
Department of Maths/Statistics, Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma, Imo State, Nigeria.
Nwokocha, Okwuchi
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma, Imo State, Nigeria.
Okosun, Chidimma Juliana
Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Improving access to variety of food items and healthy food consumption pattern at the household level is a sure strategy to eradicating chronic hunger and improving food and nutrition security situation of a country. The present study assessed the influence of market access on food consumption pattern of households in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the socioeconomic characteristics, food consumption and purchasing patterns of selected households in the study area were analyzed.
Study Design: Multi-stage and cluster sampling techniques were adopted to select 792 households across the three senatorial (Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu) districts in Imo State.
Methodology: A well-structure questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-economic status, market access and food consumption pattern of selected households.
Results: Result revealed low household monthly income of ₦60,000-₦80,000, monthly food expenditure of 37-45% of income and household size of 4-6 members (47%). Regular access to market reflected on the daily (42.37%) and weekly (41.22%) food purchasing habits observed among the households. Starchy-root food products constituted regular breakfast (40.8%) and dinner (55.7%) of households while legume-based food products were minimally consumed as breakfast (9.92%), lunch (14.63%) and dinner (9.03%). Traditional green leafy vegetables (58.52%) and citrus fruits (48.6%) were found to be commonly consumed by the households studied. The food consumption patterns of households predominantly consisted of carbohydrate-rich foods, possibly, due to financial constraints, as indicated by over forty percent (46.44%) of households. The analysis revealed that monthly income did not affect households' market access but significantly (P=0.004) influenced their food expenditure, negatively.
Conclusion: Generally, the study reveals low-income level, regular market access to staple foods and poor food consumption pattern among the households analyzed.
Recommendation: The government urgently needs to support the trading and farming occupation of household heads in Imo State to improve income status and access to variety of food items at household level.
Keywords: Household, food access, food system, hunger, food security, food expenditure, staple foods