Influence of Economic Hardship on Household Meal Related Issues among Rural Households in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The general objective of this study was to investigate influence of economic hardship on household-related meal issues among rural communities in Ekiti State. Specifically, the study determined ways economic hardship influences the following meal related issues among households in Ekiti State: meal quality, meal quantity, meal regularity and meal budget. Descriptive research design was adopted. Population consisted of all the house-makers of rural communities in Ekiti State. Nigeria. Data were collected using questionnaire. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Results reveal nine ways household meal quality is seriously influenced by economic hardship. These include, protein-rich food reduction due to lack of funds (X̅ = 2.30). Other findings are four serious ways meal quantity is influenced including, food portions reduction (X̅ = 2.55). Further findings are four serious meal regularity is influenced, including, that meal time are often irregular (X̅ = 2.30). More findings are seven ways food budgeting is influenced. These include, cutting back on food expenses (X̅ = 2.45). Five recommendations, were made, included enhancing budgeting strategies, promoting financial literacy, and others.