Economic Survey of Household Expenditure Pattern during COVID-19 Pandemic in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research investigated the expenditure patterns of rural households in the Nigerian state of Ogun. The precise aims of this study are to ascertain the determinants that influence the weekly expenditure on food within the household and to estimate the total amount spent on food. A simple random sampling method was employed to ascertain the 480 rural households that comprised the study area. The interview schedule was employed to obtain essential data from the participants in the study area, including age, marital status, and food expenditure. The descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression were used to determine the determinant of the quantity spent on food in the households of respondents in the study area. Descriptive statistics indicate that 55.0% of the respondents are married, 75.0% have completed formal education, and the mean age, household size, and monthly income are estimated to be 45 years, 6 individuals, and ₦49,500.50, respectively. The majority of participants (66.67%) reported spending less than ₦20,000.00 on food. The estimated mean expenditures for food consumed at home and while away from home were ₦17,544.60 and ₦16,700.55, respectively. Household food expenditure is significantly and positively influenced by household income (p0.01), the age of the household head (p0.1), household size (p0.01), and occupation (p0.05), according to ordinary least squares regression. Food expenditure was significantly influenced by household income, household size, and the age of the household chief, according to the findings of this study. Policy consideration should be given to the price control mechanism for food so that it is more affordable for rural residents, according to the study.