DEPARTMENT OF HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION

This study investigated the influence of COVID-19 lockdown on food purchase, consumption and hunger among married secondary school teachers in Delta State, Nigeria. Nine (9) research questions were raised and answered. Six (6) hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of Significance.

The study employed a descriptive survey research design which targeted twenty-two thousand one hundred and twenty one (22,121) married secondary school teachers in the twenty-five (25) Local Government Areas of Delta State. The sample size of the study consisted of eight hundred (800) respondents. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study. The instrument used to elicit responses from the subjects was a 70 item statement questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisors and a psychometrician. The reliability was determined using twenty (20) married secondary school teachers randomly selected from the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State who are part of the population but not part of the sample size and the data generated were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha statistics and yielded the coefficient of 0.85. Data analysis was done using mean (x), Standard Deviation (SD), two independent sample t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).
The findings revealed that COVID-19 lockdown influenced food purchasing habits, consumption pattern and hunger among married secondary school teachers in Delta State, Nigeria. It was discovered that COVID-19 lockdown increased the level of food insecurity and also affected the psychological wellbeing of married secondary school teachers in Delta State. The study therefore concluded that measures taken to control rapid spread of pandemic such as COVID-19 lockdown affected food purchase, consumption and hunger among married secondary school teachers. The study recommends, among other things, that Government should establish agricultural policies focused on boosting food production at the community level, institutions should train teachers on how to develop effective coping strategies during crisis such as home gardening, meal planning and food preservation techniques.

This study analyzed the nutritional and functional properties of moringa root, leaf, and seed including the awareness and utilization of the plant among different demographic groups inEdo State. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining laboratory analysis (quasi experimental design) and survey methods. The sample size for the study is 180, representing 10% of the population; 80 market women, 60 community men and 40 community youths. Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content of moringa seeds and leaves. Additionally, the mineral composition of the leaves was examined to assess their micronutrient profile. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of public awareness and demographic differences (age and gender) regarding the nutritional and functional benefits of moringa. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient of 0.99. Findings from the study indicated that moringa is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E), minerals (calcium 641.2mg/100, iron 18.14mg/100, phosphorus 71.1mg/100, potassium 26.1.1mg/100), proteins 27.61%, crude fat 2.5%, carbohydrate 47.09%, Ash content 9.25%, fibre fat 10.11% and antioxidants (Alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids and steriods. The functional properties of moringa include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects, making it highly beneficial for human health. Despite these benefits, public awareness and utilization remain significantly low, particularly among younger demographics (15-20years). Indicating that the awareness increases significantly with age, (aged 45 and above). The study also revealed that moringa can serve as a viable alternative for addressing malnutrition (x̄= 2.86), terminal x ailments (x̄= 2.87), lactation (x̄= 2.93), cooking (x̄= 2.92), tea (x̄=3.13), improving food security, and enhancing economic development through commercial cultivation and product fortification. Based on these findings, the study recommended amongst others; increased public awareness campaigns, integration of moringa into government nutrition programs, promotion of large-scale cultivation, and encouragement of moringa-based industries for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals