CHAPTER ONE

1.0   INTRODUCTION:

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Food and eating are part of our everyday life. Although its primary function is to fulfil biological needs, food plays an important role in many activities in our lives that are unrelated to nutrition (Rozin 2006).

Food choice has become a central part of symbolic, economic and social aspects of life by conveying information concerning preferences, identities and cultural meanings (Sobal, Bisogni, Devine & Jastran 2006).

One of the earliest studies in food choice behaviour research was conducted by Kurt Lewin who led pioneering investigations trying to answer the question why do we eat? In his ‘channel theory’, he described food behaviour as a complex process determined by cultural, psychological, biological and economic channels through which foods comes to the table (Lewin 1943).

The manifold nature of this behaviour has attracted interest from many fields of expertise, all of which attempt to find an answer to at least parts of the question: “Why does who eat what, when, and where?” Disciplines contributing to the discussion about food include biology, physiology, psychology, sociology, economics, consumer research, food science to name a few.

Each discipline will tackle the question in their own right (Köster 2009). The mere fact that so many disciplines address the issue of food choice behaviour demonstrates its complexity but also its importance (Falk, Bisogni & Sobal 1996).

Thus, food choice behaviour can only be understood by taking various theoretical and methodological approaches and as yet, no standard definition for it exists. “Youth” is usually perceived because the time of life between childhood and adulthood (Macmillan Dictionary 1981).

The age range that constitutes youth varies from one society to a different because an individual’s actual maturity might not correspond to their age. However, the United Nations define youths as persons between the ages of 15 and 24 (UNESCO, www.unesco.org).

The United Nations recognize the particular incontrovertible fact that children are heterogeneous group in constant evolution which the experience of being young varies across regions and within countries.

There are some characteristics of youths that make them most vulnerable for development; the foremost important of which is their vigour and therefore the spirit to realize if an enabling environment is created for them. They are young, agile, and virile and are expected to be innovative.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

Feeding practice is a complex human behaviour that is determined by a combination of factors ranging from biological and genetic, to social and cultural. Most times, making decisions about which food or drink to consume some questions are not put into consideration like; the what, how, when, where and with whom they will eat and this tends to be a challenge to the youth with regards to their feeding practices

The feeding practice process impacts on people’s acquisition, preparation or consumption of food in a wide range of situations and locations including grocery stores, restaurants, and vending machines, parties and social events, and meals and snacks at home. It involves not only conscious decisions, but also those that are automatic, habitual and subconscious. Finally, several research has been carried out on feeding choice behaviour and dietary but not even a single research has been carried out on feeding practice among youths in Zaria LGA of Kaduna.

1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The main aim and objective of the study is to examine feeding practice among youths in Zaria local government. Other objectives of the study include:

1. to determine the effect of feeding practice among youths in Zaria  local government area of Kaduna.
2. to determine the causative factors of feeding practice among youths in Zaria local government of Kaduna.
3. to determine the extent to which feeding practice affects youths in Zaria local government area of Kaduna.
4. to determine the attitude of the youth towards their feeding practice.
5. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the effect of feeding practice among youths in Zaria local government area of Kaduna?
2. What are the causative factors of feeding practice among youths in Zaria local government of Kaduna?
3. What is the extent to which feeding practice affects youths in Zaria local government area of Kaduna?
4. What is the attitude of the youths towards their feeding practice?
5. What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

HO:   Feeding practice has no significant effect among youths in Zaria local government of Kaduna state.

HI:    Feeding practice has no significant effect among youths in Zaria local government of Kaduna state.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will be of immense benefit to the entire youths of Zaria local government area of Kaduna in the sense that it will enable the youths to obtain a full understanding of the influence on feeding practice within the food-allergic population. It will also broaden their mind on dietary quality. As far as feeding practice is concern, this must be taken into consideration as well so as to avoid health hazard. Finally, the study will contribute to the body will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study on feeding practice among youths is limited to Zaria local government area of Kaduna state.

1.8   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Feeding   Give food to.

Practice  The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it.

Youth      The period between childhood and adult age.