Project – Assessment of the Impact of Economic Hardship and Rising Food Prices on Nutritional Health Among Low-Income Households in Ibadan

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Economic hardship has become one of the major challenges affecting households across developing nations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (World Bank, 2023). In recent years, Nigeria has experienced severe economic instability characterized by inflation, unemployment, currency depreciation, fuel subsidy removal, and rising costs of living (CBN, 2024). These economic conditions have significantly affected the purchasing power of households, particularly low-income earners who struggle daily to meet their nutritional and health needs (NBS, 2024). One of the most visible consequences of the present economic hardship is the persistent increase in food prices, which has negatively influenced food accessibility, food quality, and nutritional health among vulnerable populations (FAO, 2023).

Nutrition plays a vital role in the maintenance of good health, productivity, growth, and overall wellbeing of individuals (WHO, 2023). Adequate nutrition improves immunity, supports physical and cognitive development, and reduces the prevalence of diseases (UNICEF, 2022). However, poor nutrition resulting from inadequate food intake or poor dietary quality contributes greatly to malnutrition, weakened immunity, poor health outcomes, and increased mortality rates (WHO, 2023). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), access to affordable and nutritious food remains a critical determinant of public health outcomes globally.

In Nigeria, the current economic situation has worsened food insecurity among households (FAO, 2023). Rising inflation rates and unstable economic policies have contributed to the increasing cost of essential food commodities such as rice, beans, garri, bread, vegetable oil, yam, and proteins (NBS, 2024). The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS, 2024) reported that food inflation in Nigeria rose significantly, making it increasingly difficult for average families to maintain balanced diets. Low-income households are the most affected because a large percentage of their earnings is spent on food consumption (Adebayo & Omotoso, 2022). Consequently, many families now reduce meal frequency, substitute nutritious foods with cheaper alternatives, or skip meals entirely in order to survive (FAO, 2023).

Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, is one of the largest urban centers in Nigeria with a rapidly growing population (NPC, 2023). Despite its economic and commercial activities, many residents in Ibadan experience poverty and unemployment (World Bank, 2023). Low-income households in areas such as Mokola, Beere, Bodija outskirts, Challenge, and Omi-Adio often struggle to cope with rising food costs. Economic hardship in these communities has increased the prevalence of malnutrition, especially among children, pregnant women, and elderly persons (UNICEF, 2022). Nutritional health challenges such as undernutrition, stunted growth, micronutrient deficiencies, and poor dietary diversity have become increasingly common among vulnerable groups (WHO, 2023).

The relationship between economic hardship and nutritional health has attracted attention from scholars and public health experts (FAO, 2023). Studies have shown that household income strongly influences food choices, nutritional intake, and health status (Adebayo & Omotoso, 2022). Households with inadequate income often prioritize quantity over quality, resulting in unhealthy dietary practices and poor nutritional outcomes (Smith & Haddad, 2015). Furthermore, rising food prices reduce access to proteins, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods necessary for healthy living (WHO, 2023).

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria in 2023 further intensified transportation costs and market prices, thereby worsening food affordability (CBN, 2024). This situation has increased the burden on low-income households already struggling with unemployment and low wages (NBS, 2024). In many cases, parents sacrifice their own nutritional needs to feed children, while some children experience poor concentration and health complications due to inadequate feeding (UNICEF, 2022).

Public health experts have emphasized that poor nutritional health contributes significantly to increased disease burden, reduced productivity, and poor quality of life (WHO, 2023). Malnutrition weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to infections such as malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases (UNICEF, 2022). In addition, poor nutrition among children affects cognitive development, school performance, and long-term economic productivity (Smith & Haddad, 2015).

Despite government interventions such as food palliatives, social welfare programs, and agricultural support schemes, many low-income households continue to experience food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies (World Bank, 2023). There is therefore a need for continuous assessment of how economic hardship and rising food prices influence nutritional health among vulnerable populations.

This study seeks to assess the impact of economic hardship and rising food prices on the nutritional health of low-income households in Ibadan. The study will provide empirical evidence on the extent to which economic conditions affect food consumption patterns, dietary quality, and nutritional wellbeing. The findings may help policymakers, public health practitioners, and non-governmental organizations develop effective strategies aimed at improving food security and nutritional health among economically disadvantaged households.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria is currently facing severe economic hardship characterized by rising inflation, unemployment, unstable exchange rates, and increasing costs of basic commodities. Among the most affected sectors is food supply and accessibility. Food prices have risen continuously in recent years, making it difficult for many households, especially low-income earners, to afford nutritious meals. Essential food items that were previously affordable have become expensive, forcing families to adopt unhealthy coping strategies such as meal skipping, reduced portion sizes, and dependence on less nutritious foods.

In Ibadan, many low-income households experience serious challenges in meeting their daily nutritional needs due to the increasing cost of food. Families with limited income now spend a substantial proportion of their earnings on food, yet they still struggle to maintain balanced diets. This situation has contributed to poor nutritional health outcomes including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, weight loss, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to diseases.

Children and pregnant women are among the most affected groups. Poor nutrition among children may result in stunted growth, poor academic performance, weakened immunity, and developmental problems. Similarly, inadequate nutrition among adults contributes to reduced productivity, increased stress, and poor overall health conditions. Despite several government interventions aimed at reducing poverty and improving food security, the problem of nutritional deprivation among low-income households continues to persist.

Several studies have examined poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria; however, limited attention has been given specifically to the combined effects of economic hardship and rising food prices on the nutritional health of low-income households in Ibadan. There is therefore a gap in empirical knowledge regarding how present economic realities directly influence dietary habits and nutritional wellbeing within the study area.

It is against this background that this study seeks to assess the impact of economic hardship and rising food prices on the nutritional health of low-income households in Ibadan, with a view to providing useful recommendations for improving public health and food security.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of economic hardship and rising food prices on the nutritional health of low-income households in Ibadan.

The specific objectives are to:

1. examine the effect of economic hardship on food consumption patterns among low-income households in Ibadan;
2. assess the influence of rising food prices on the nutritional quality of meals consumed by low-income households;
3. identify the coping strategies adopted by low-income households in response to rising food prices;
4. determine the relationship between household income and nutritional health status among low-income households in Ibadan.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. How does economic hardship affect food consumption patterns among low-income households in Ibadan?
2. What influence do rising food prices have on the nutritional quality of meals consumed by low-income households?
3. What coping strategies are adopted by low-income households in response to rising food prices?
4. What relationship exists between household income and nutritional health status among low-income households in Ibadan?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between economic hardship and the nutritional health of low-income households in Ibadan.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be beneficial to public health practitioners by providing information on how economic hardship affects nutritional wellbeing among vulnerable populations. The findings will assist health professionals in developing effective nutrition intervention programs for low-income households.

The study will also benefit government agencies and policymakers by revealing the extent to which rising food prices contribute to malnutrition and poor health outcomes. The findings may guide the formulation of policies aimed at improving food affordability, poverty reduction, and food security.

Non-governmental organizations and international development agencies will find the study useful in designing community-based nutrition support programs and economic empowerment initiatives targeted at vulnerable households.

Academically, the study will contribute to existing literature on public health, nutrition, poverty, and food security in Nigeria. It will also serve as a reference material for future researchers interested in related topics.

Finally, low-income households may benefit indirectly from recommendations that promote improved nutritional practices and access to affordable food.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the assessment of the impact of economic hardship and rising food prices on the nutritional health of low-income households in Ibadan, Oyo State. The study will specifically examine food consumption patterns, nutritional quality, coping mechanisms, and the relationship between household income and nutritional health among selected households in the study area.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Economic Hardship:
A condition in which individuals or households experience financial difficulties due to low income, unemployment, inflation, or high living costs.

Food Prices:
The monetary value or cost of food items available for purchase in markets and stores.

Nutritional Health:
The state of health resulting from adequate consumption and utilization of nutrients necessary for body growth, development, and wellbeing.

Low-Income Households:
Families or households with limited financial resources insufficient to meet essential living needs adequately.

Food Insecurity:
A situation in which individuals or households lack consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Project – Assessment of the Impact of Economic Hardship and Rising Food Prices on Nutritional Health Among Low-Income Households in Ibadan