ABSTRACT

There has been considerable concern on the large price increases on food which

may lead to increased malnutrition, especially among the poor in the developing

world. The growth of agriculture depends on climate and land (soil) quality of a

given area. Inadequate supplies of agricultural input such as fertilizer, improved

seeds, pesticides, insufficient farm credit scheme which have resulted in a steady

rise in food prices. This study was designed to determine the effects of food price on

dietary habits of household. Four hundred and twenty eight (428) were selected

randomly. 24 hours, food frequency questionnaire were used to access the dietary

habits of the households. Data collected was subjected to analysis with the use of

statistical product service solution (SPSS). Version 2.0 using descriptive statistics.

Results revealed that there were more females (82.2%) than males (17.8%). Most of

the respondents (56.8%) ranged between 46-55 years while (27.6%) and (9.3%)

ranged between 36-45 and 26-35 years respectively. Most (87%) of the respondents

were married mothers while (4.7%) were single. All of the respondents (100%)

were Christians. The result on their educational status further revealed that most

(64.3%) of the respondent had only secondary qualification. Most (64.3%) of the

respondents were traders, (43.2%) spent between N71, 000-90,000 on food

monthly. Results on food prices showed that majority (91.6%) of the respondents

agreed that the prices of food items were extremely high. This study revealed that

was no relationship between food price and dietary habits of households. This study

recommends household to have gardens Nutrition education should be given to

house wives in form of adult education so as to enable them form good eating habits

based on their level of income for adequate nutrition, The directorate of food, road

and rural infrastructure, national directorate of employment and government

programmes should direct attention to improve level of income, food production

and health care delivery in Urban rural areas.