Socioeconomic Determinants of Household Food Expenditure Patterns in Semi-Urban Communities of Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Understanding household food expenditure patterns is essential for evaluating food security, guiding nutrition policy, and designing social protection programmes that effectively address dietary vulnerability in semi-urban communities. This study analysed socioeconomic determinants of household food expenditure patterns in semi-urban communities of Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with 180 household heads selected through multistage sampling across four semi-urban local government areas. Structured questionnaires collected data on household income, expenditure allocation, dietary patterns, and food access. Household food expenditure was quantified using a two-week expenditure diary method. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Results showed that food accounted for an average of 58 percent of total household expenditure, with staple carbohydrates consuming the largest share. Protein foods and fresh vegetables were the most frequently traded off when income was constrained. Household size, employment status, and educational attainment were the strongest predictors of food expenditure share and dietary quality. Households where women controlled food purchasing decisions showed higher dietary diversity. The study recommends targeted cash transfer programmes for low-income semi-urban households and financial literacy training through community women's groups in Ekiti State. Keywords: food expenditure, socioeconomic determinants, semi-urban households, Ekiti State, dietary patterns