Increase in food prices and food consumption pattern in some university students in Makurdi, Nigeria

Like most developing countries faced with economic crisis the Nigerian Government has been implementing a structural adjustment programme (SAP) since 1986 as a strategy for economic recovery. Both food and non food prices have risen and there has been a drastic fall in real income, especially of the poor. Data were collected using a pre‐tested standard questionnaire which was administered on sixty students who were randomly selected and who had gained admission into the University before 1986 and were still in school by 1990. The results showed considerable changes in the food consumption pattern of the respondents between 1986 and 1990. The frequency, of their meal intakes were greatly affected, which compelled most of them to adopt survival strategies in coping with the situation. The implication of this on the nutritional status, physical work capacity and productivity of the respondents are discussed.

Key words:

• Food Prices
• Food Consumption
• Students
• Structural Adjustment