ABSTRACT

 The management of dual household among co~plcs withi11 a family by staff in three colleges of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umiudike was investigated. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify the causative reasons for management of dual household among couples within a family by staff in thrce colleges of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture LUmudike, identify how activities are carried [out in management of daul household within a family by staff in three colleges of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umud;ke determine.the challenges of management of dual household within a family by staff in three colleges of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike and to identify coping strategics adopted by couples in management of dual household within a family. The population of the study comprised of 235 teaching and non-tea~hing maITicu staff in five colleges of Michael Okpara U~iversity of Agriculture Umudike in Abia State and a sample size of 120 respondents. The statistical tools used for data analysis were frequency, mean and percentages (%). Table was used to organize the data collected. Frequency and percentage (%) was used to organize the demographic data of the students while mean was used to analyze the responses to the research question. Among the findings of the study, was that high travelling and mobility, poor management of marital crises, lack of understanding among couples, lack of mutual respect between partners, high cost of living as a result of managing two households, having two separate residences, Jack of trust, ineffective communication as a result of distance and lack of intimacy are the challenges experienced by couples running dual household within a family. Furthermore, the study revealed that career development, maintain privacy, dishonesty among couples, looking for income to support the family, Jack of mutual respect between partners, lack or intimacy, conflict among couples, infidelity, lack of understanding among couples, job location and lack of social compatibility. More so, the study revealed that feeding, clothing, financial expenses, heath care, housing, clothing, family relationships and preparations made before couples relocate lo their household are the activities carried out in management of dual household among couples. Finally, the study revcalcd that having joint account. running a mo11thly feeding budget, effective communication, the couples making family plans together, creating space and time for each other, determining on how lo carry out their home activities, the two homes coming together once a while, the couples making out time for family recreational activities among many others are the possible coping strategics adopted by couples running dual household i,n a family. This study recommended that conferences, seminars and workshops should be periodically arranged for lecturers running dual household as this will assist them in management of their dual household.