ASSESSMENT OF FOOD WASTE ON HOUSEHOLD BUDGET IN CHANCHAGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE, MINNA

By A. Achebe

Abstract: The study examined the assessment of food waste on household budgets in Chanchaga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The study was guided by three research objectives and three corresponding research questions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 201,429 residents of Chanchaga Local Government Area, according to the national population commission, 2025. Using the Research Advisor Sample Size Table, a sample size of 384 household representatives was determined. A total of 384 questionnaires were administered using a multistage sampling technique, out of which 373 were properly completed and returned, representing a 97.1% response rate, and were used for the analysis. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire designed on a four-point Likert scale. The data were analysed using weighted mean, with a criterion mean of 2.50 for decision-making. The findings revealed that food waste is highly prevalent among households in the study area, resulting mainly from poor food storage, excessive food preparation, and the improper disposal of leftovers. The study also found that food waste has significant adverse economic effects on household budgets by increasing household expenditure, reducing savings, and creating unnecessary financial pressure. Furthermore, the findings indicated that effective strategies such as meal planning, proper food storage, purchasing only required food items, reusing leftovers, and public awareness programmes can significantly reduce food waste and improve household financial management. Based on these findings, the study recommended that households adopt systematic meal planning and proper food preservation practices, government agencies and non-governmental organisations intensify public enlightenment campaigns on food waste reduction.
Keywords: Food Waste, Household Budget and Household Financial Management