Effects of Price Fluctuations on Welfare of Residents of Dutsin-Ma Town

This study investigates the impact of price fluctuations on the welfare of households in Dutsin- Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria, with the broad objective of understanding how volatile prices influence household expenditure patterns, income stability, and access to essential services. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining data from 129 households collected through structured questionnaires. The analysis utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression and chi-square tests. The key findings reveal that price volatility- particularly in food, transportation, and social service costs has significantly undermined household welfare. Households reported adopting coping strategies such as reducing food intake, cutting non-food expenses, and limiting access to education and healthcare. Regression analysis showed a strong statistical relationship between price fluctuations and welfare decline, with price changes accounting for 83% of the variation in household welfare. The study concludes that the current macroeconomic instability and inadequate government interventions have exacerbated financial hardship among households in Dutsin-Ma. It recommends strengthening price regulation mechanisms, implementing targeted social protection programs, improving infrastructure, and promoting income diversification to build household resilience against future price shocks.