European Journal of Scientific Research (ISSN: 1450 ... - EuroJournals

76
© European Journal of Scientific Research, Vol 7, No 5, 2005
The objectives of the study therefore were to measure the level of household food
insecurity and determine the food consumption pattern in two low income communities
in Ibadan, Nigeria.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted between February and March, 2005, in two communities -
Akobo and Abadina - in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 106 households were
selected and representatives/respondents from each household were interviewed in a
cross-sectional survey.
The Akobo community is located in a peri-urban setting in Lagelu/Akinyele Local
government area (LGA), while Abadina community is situated in the junior staff quarters
of the University of Ibadan in Ibadan North LGA. The people living in the two
communities exhibit low socio-economic status.
The respondents were women and they were selected using the following criteria:
1. Women in charge of purchasing and preparing meals in their households.
2. Women who have been residents in each community for more than 3years.
3. Married
4. Women with children under the age of 5years.
5. Willingness to participate in the survey.
The sampling frame was made up of 250 mother/child pairs in Akobo and 300
mother/child pairs in Abadina. The minimum sample size for the study was derived using
the formulae below:
n = (z-∞)2 ×p (1-p)
d2
Where n = minimum sample size,
(z-∞) is a constant = 1.96,
p is the prevalence assumed = 5%
d is the level of error that can be tolerated = 5%.
Therefore, n = (1.96)2 ×0.05 (1-0.05)
0.052
n = 73 .
Of the total of 550 households, 106 households were selected using a simple random
sampling technique. The main instrument of survey was a Questionnaire containing: (a)
the USDA food security module (b) food frequency (c) socioeconomic status and (d) 24hour
dietary recall.
The weights of the respondents were measured using the UNICEF Bathroom scale using
standard techniques. The heights of the subjects were measured using a metal tape rule