Determinants of Access to Health Education in Extension Service and Implication for Nutrition Transition Among Poultry Farmers in Lagos State
Abstract
In this quantitative survey research study, a structured questionnaire was employed as the primary data collection tool to investigate access to health education and its implications for nutrition transition among poultry farmers in Lagos State. The study targeted a sample of 120 respondents, and data was analyzed using SPSS27, a statistical software package. The hypotheses were tested utilizing a t-test, allowing for the assessment of the significance of the findings. The results revealed important insights into the factors affecting access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State. Notably, the study found strong agreement among respondents regarding the availability of health education resources as a critical determinant for access. This implies that the provision of necessary resources and support is crucial for enhancing health education accessibility for poultry farmers. Furthermore, the research also highlighted the impact of personal income and economic status on access to health education, with a majority of respondents agreeing that these factors significantly influence access. Additionally, the proximity of poultry farmers to health education facilities emerged as an important factor affecting their access to health information. The findings suggest that addressing economic disparities and ensuring the accessibility of health education facilities nearby can greatly improve the overall health and well-being of poultry farmers. In conclusion, the study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics surrounding access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State. The findings underscore the importance of addressing resource availability, economic disparities, and geographical proximity to enhance access to health education. The research also underscores the need for community-based health education programs and collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations to facilitate access. As a result, it is recommended that stakeholders focus on these aspects to improve the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of poultry farmers in Lagos State.
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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
Access to health education is a critical determinant of the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities (Bobola et al., 2019). It plays a pivotal role in preventing diseases, promoting healthier lifestyles, and enhancing the quality of life (Oseni et al., 2018). Within the context of agricultural communities, such as poultry farming in Lagos State, Nigeria (Famoye et al., 2022), access to health education is of paramount importance as it directly impacts not only the well-being of farmers but also the quality of agricultural products they produce, including poultry products (Olaniyi et al., 2018). This research focuses on the determinants of access to health education in extension services and their implications for nutrition transition among poultry farmers in Lagos State.
Lagos State, the economic and commercial hub of Nigeria (Kostov & Davidova, 2021), has witnessed a growing poultry industry (Famoye et al., 2022). The expansion of this sector is linked to increased demand for poultry products in both urban and rural areas (Cranfield et al., 2022). However, this growth also brings forth several challenges, including health-related issues affecting poultry farmers and consumers (Nse-Nelson et al., 2018). One of the primary challenges is the transition in nutrition patterns, where traditional and healthier diets are being replaced by processed and less nutritious foods (Kostov & Davidova, 2021). Access to health education plays a pivotal role in helping poultry farmers make informed choices about their diet, agricultural practices, and overall well-being.
Access to health education is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors (Ajayi et al., 2021). Among poultry farmers in Lagos State, the availability of extension services and the content of the information provided are crucial determinants of access to health education (Ma & Wang, 2020). Extension services that offer guidance on poultry farming practices, nutrition, and health awareness are instrumental in promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing the overall well-being of farmers (Esiobu et al., 2022). Such services not only equip poultry farmers with the necessary knowledge but also empower them to make informed choices about their diet and health, thereby preventing diseases (Octavio & Steven, 2020). Additionally, these services serve as a valuable resource for farmers seeking guidance on sustainable agricultural practices and the adoption of technologies that can improve the quality of poultry products (Famoye et al., 2022).
While access to health education is vital, it is essential to recognize the disparities that exist among poultry farmers in Lagos State (Ali & Rose, 2020). The availability and quality of extension services are not uniform across all communities, leading to inequities in access to health education (Kostov & Davidova, 2021). Poultry farmers in urban areas may have better access to health education and a higher level of awareness about nutrition transition compared to their rural counterparts (Ngango et al., 2022). This inequality can exacerbate the nutrition transition challenge, as urban farmers may be more exposed to processed and less nutritious foods (Chau et al., 2018). To address this disparity, efforts are needed to ensure that extension services are accessible to poultry farmers in all regions of Lagos State (Kiresur et al., 2017). Moreover, tailoring health education programs to the specific needs and circumstances of rural poultry farmers is essential to bridge the gap and promote healthier practices (Mugenyi et al., 2021).
The implications of access to health education in the context of poultry farming extend beyond the health of the farmers themselves. It also affects the quality of poultry products and the well-being of consumers (Bae et al., 2021). Poultry farmers who receive adequate health education are more likely to implement better hygiene and disease prevention practices in their farms (Ajayi et al., 2021). This, in turn, contributes to the production of safer and higher-quality poultry products that meet health and safety standards (Esiobu et al., 2022). Consumers can enjoy the benefits of safe and nutritious poultry products, leading to improved public health outcomes (Bryan et al., 2021). Therefore, access to health education among poultry farmers not only safeguards their well-being but also has a positive ripple effect on consumers and the broader community.
One of the key areas where access to health education has a significant impact is in addressing the issue of nutrition transition (Islam et al., 2021). As poultry farmers gain knowledge about healthier dietary choices and traditional diets (Mugenyi et al., 2021), they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their food consumption patterns. Health education programs can highlight the nutritional value of traditional foods and promote their consumption (Oseni et al., 2018). This, in turn, can help slow down the transition toward processed and less nutritious foods (Chau et al., 2018). Healthier diets among poultry farmers not only contribute to their well-being but also play a role in promoting community health by reducing the prevalence of diet-related diseases (Ali & Rose, 2020).
Consequently, access to health education is a critical determinant of the overall health and well-being of poultry farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The availability of extension services, the content of the information provided, and the equitable distribution of these services play pivotal roles in shaping the health and nutrition patterns of poultry farmers. As the poultry industry in Lagos State continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize and invest in health education programs that empower farmers to make informed decisions about their diet, agricultural practices, and overall well-being. The benefits extend beyond individual farmers, impacting the quality of poultry products, consumer health, and the community at large. Therefore, promoting access to health education among poultry farmers is not only a matter of personal well-being but also a crucial step towards healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices in Lagos State, Nigeria.
 Statement of Problem
Access to health education is a fundamental determinant of individual and community well-being. In the context of Lagos State’s burgeoning poultry farming industry, it is essential to recognize that access to health education for poultry farmers is not uniform, which raises significant concerns. The availability and quality of extension services, which provide vital health and nutritional information, vary across urban and rural areas, leading to disparities in access to health education (Kostov & Davidova, 2021).
This disparity in access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State poses a critical problem. While urban poultry farmers might benefit from better access to health education, their rural counterparts often face limited availability and resources for receiving this essential knowledge. This issue of unequal access to health education exacerbates existing challenges associated with nutrition transition (Chau et al., 2018). Urban poultry farmers may have greater awareness of the adverse effects of processed and less nutritious foods due to better access to health education, leading to healthier dietary choices. On the other hand, rural poultry farmers may lack such awareness and continue to rely on traditional but less nutritious diets, contributing to the nutrition transition problem (Bae et al., 2021).
Another significant aspect of the problem lies in the implications for the health and safety of poultry products and consumers (Ali & Rose, 2020). Poultry farmers with limited access to health education are less likely to implement critical hygiene and disease prevention practices, which can result in unsafe and lower-quality poultry products (Esiobu et al., 2022). This poses health risks for consumers who may unknowingly consume poultry products of subpar quality. Furthermore, the nutrition transition’s prevalence in communities with limited access to health education may contribute to a higher burden of diet-related diseases among the population (Bryan et al., 2021). These consequences are not only detrimental to individual poultry farmers but also impact the broader community and public health.
In light of these issues, addressing the problem of unequal access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State is crucial. It necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to this inequality, the impact on nutrition transition, the quality of poultry products, and public health. Addressing these disparities is paramount to ensure the well-being of poultry farmers, the safety of poultry products, and the health of consumers in Lagos State’s poultry farming communities. Therefore, research focused on identifying solutions to rectify this imbalance is essential to promote healthier and more equitable agricultural practices in Lagos State.
Objectives of the Study
This study aims to achieve three specific objectives:
- To identify the determinants of access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State.
- To assess the implications of unequal access to health education on the nutrition transition among poultry farmers in Lagos State.
- To recommend strategies for improving access to health education in extension services for poultry farmers in Lagos State.
Research Questions
To address the objectives of this study, the following research questions guided the study:
- What are the determinants of access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State?
- How does unequal access to health education affect the nutrition transition among poultry farmers in Lagos State?
- What strategies can be recommended to enhance access to health education for poultry farmers in Lagos State?
Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were tested during this study:
Null Hypotheses(H0):
- There is no significant relationship between socioeconomic status and access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State.
- Unequal access to health education has no significant impact on the nutrition transition among poultry farmers in Lagos State.
- Implementing targeted strategies to improve access to health education will not positively influence the nutritional choices of poultry farmers in Lagos State.
Alternative Hypotheses(H1):
- There is a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and access to health education among poultry farmers in Lagos State.
- Unequal access to health education has a significant impact on the nutrition transition among poultry farmers in Lagos State.
- Implementing targeted strategies to improve access to health education will positively influence the nutritional choices of poultry farmers in Lagos State.
Significance of the Study
This study holds profound significance for various key stakeholders, encompassing both poultry farmers and wider society.
Poultry Farmers: The research outcomes will directly benefit poultry farmers across Lagos State by shedding light on the determinants influencing their access to health education and the potential repercussions for their nutritional decisions. This insight can be transformative, as it empowers poultry farmers with the knowledge to make informed choices regarding their own well-being and agricultural practices. Armed with a deeper understanding of health education’s role, farmers can adopt practices that are not only more health-conscious but also potentially more profitable, resulting in improved livelihoods (Bryan et al., 2021).
Government and Policy Makers: Policymakers and government officials have a crucial role in shaping the environment in which poultry farmers operate. Understanding the determinants of access to health education is a powerful tool for these stakeholders. It equips them to design more targeted and effective extension services, interventions, and policies aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices and agricultural practices within the poultry farming community (Kostov & Davidova, 2021). The insights from this research can contribute significantly to the development of policies and programs that address health disparities, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of poultry farmers and the sustainability of the poultry industry (Adene & Oguntade, 2020).
Researchers and Academics: This study acts as a foundational cornerstone for researchers and academics in various fields such as public health, agriculture, and nutrition. It not only offers insights into the specific case of health education access among poultry farmers but also provides a broader framework for understanding the intricate relationship between health education and nutrition transition within agricultural communities (Chau et al., 2018). It opens avenues for further exploration and research, stimulating in-depth investigations into how access to health education can be optimized to catalyze positive changes in dietary patterns and overall well-being, both in Lagos State and beyond. As a result, this study will play a pivotal role in advancing the academic understanding of these interrelated fields and inform future research endeavours.
In essence, this research transcends the boundaries of academia to have a meaningful, practical, and policy-oriented impact on the lives of poultry farmers, the health of consumers, and the well-being of the broader community in Lagos State. By investigating the determinants of access to health education and their implications, this study paves the way for informed decision-making, better policies, and further scholarly exploration in the pursuit of healthier and more equitable agricultural practices.
Scope of the Study
This research is limited to poultry farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study focuses on the determinants of access to health education, the implications for nutrition transition, and potential strategies for improvement within this specific geographic area. While the findings may have broader implications, the study’s scope is intentionally confined to the context of Lagos State’s poultry farming community.
Operational Definition of Terms
To ensure clarity and precision, the following key terms used throughout the study are defined as follows:
Access to Health Education: The ability of poultry farmers to obtain and utilize health-related information and resources through extension services and other available channels.
Nutrition Transition: The process by which dietary patterns within a population shift from traditional, often healthier, diets to diets characterized by an increased consumption of processed and less nutritious foods.
Poultry Farmers: Individuals or entities engaged in the rearing and production of poultry, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
Extension Services: Programs and activities that provide agricultural education, training, and information to farmers to improve agricultural practices and outcomes.
Determinants: Factors or variables that influence access to health education among poultry farmers, including but not limited to socioeconomic status, location, and access to resources.
Implications: The effects and consequences of unequal access to health education on the dietary choices and practices of poultry farmers.
Socioeconomic Status: An individual’s or household’s economic and social standing, which may include income, education, occupation, and other relevant indicators.
Strategies for Improvement: Recommendations and actions to enhance the availability and effectiveness of health education for poultry farmers in Lagos State.
References
- Ma, W., & Wang, X. (2020). Internet use, sustainable agricultural practices and rural incomes: Evidence from China. Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 64, 1087–1112.
- Midingoyi, S.G., Kassie, M., Muriithi, B., Diiro, G., & Ekesi, S. (2019). Do farmers and the environment benefit from adopting integrated pest management practices? Evidence from Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 70, 452–470.
- Mirosa, M., Lawson, R. (2022). Revealing the lifestyles of local food consumers. British Food Journal, 114, 816–825.
- Moges, F., Tegegne, A., & Dessie, T. (2020). Indigenous Chicken Production and Marketing Systems in Ethiopia: Characteristics and Opportunities for Market-Oriented Development. IPMS (Improving Productivity and Market Success) of Ethiopian Farmers Project Working Paper 24. ILRI.
- Mohammed, B.R., & Sunday, O.S. (2021). An overview of the prevalence of avian coccidiosis in poultry production and its economic importance in Nigeria. Veterinary Research International, 3, 35–45.
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