Food Insecurity And Nutrition Coping Strategies Amongst Under Graduate Students Of Two Tertiary Institutions In Abia State

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the food insecurity and nutrition coping strategies among undergraduates in Abia State Nigeria, focusing on Michael Opkara University of Agriculture Umudike and Abia State University Uturu. Using systematic random sampling, 400 students were selected from 5 colleges of each school in the University to participate in the study. The factors examined include personal information, food habits, socio economic status, food insecurity situations, and food related coping strategies of the respondents. It was observed that 45.5% of the respondents in MOUAU and ABSU respectively say lack of money was the main cause of food insecurity, and 60.3% of respondents in both schools said sometimes they get hungry but could not afford more foods. On the issue of which of the coping strategies, you adopt when there is food insecurity. Majority (44.7%) of the respondents interviewed in both schools said sometimes rely on less preference foods.  ABSU and MOUAU respondent ticked relying on less preferred food, 46.8% of the respondents often rely on less expensive foods, 47.7% Changes the pattern of eating food. It was also observed that majority (48.5%) of the respondents ticked never true on Borrowing money to buy food, 51.7% ticked never true on Purchase food on credit, 39.5% often Ration feeding money, 44.7% sometimes Limit portion of food eating, 46.2% Reduce number of meals and 756.5% sometimes stay whole day without food. Food insecurity seems to be a significant issue for students. It is necessary to carry out this research on different Campus settings and further strengthens support systems to increase access to nutritious foods for the population. Other initiatives and policies should be considered to increase access to nutritious foods and more broadly improve student’s economic stability (i.e. if they are able to address their basic needs, including food, so that they can focus on their education)