Analysis of Consumer Spending Patterns and Economic Wellbeing in Plateau State

Consumer spending patterns reflect economic wellbeing and the structure of household demand, and their analysis in North Central Nigeria provides evidence for understanding living standards dynamics in Plateau State. This study analysed consumer spending patterns and economic wellbeing among households in Jos North, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas, Plateau State. A cross-sectional survey of 300 households was conducted. Data collected covered monthly expenditure by category, household income, household size, and assets. Engel's Law was applied to analyse the relationship between income and food expenditure share. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used. Results showed that food expenditure constituted the largest share at 52.4 percent of total household expenditure, consistent with relatively low average living standards. The Engel coefficient was 0.52, indicating moderate poverty. Transportation (12.3 percent), education (9.8 percent), and housing (11.7 percent) were the next largest expenditure categories. Higher-income households spent proportionately less on food (34.8 percent) and more on education and health. Households in conflict-affected Barkin Ladi showed significantly higher food expenditure shares than those in Jos North. Female-headed households spent significantly higher shares on children's education. The study concludes that Plateau State household welfare is significantly constrained by high food expenditure pressures exacerbated by conflict impacts. Recommendations include targeted food support for conflict-affected LGAs, household income diversification programmes, and investment in local food supply infrastructure to reduce food price volatility.

Keywords: consumer spending, household welfare, Engel coefficient, Plateau State, expenditure patterns