The Influence of Food Downtrend on Family Nutrition in Otun Local Government,ekiti State

The persistent rise in food prices, declining food quality, and growing economic instability have contributed to a significant shift in dietary habits among families in Nigeria. This phenomenon, termed "food downtrend," is especially critical in rural communities like Moba Local Government, Ekiti State, where food insecurity and malnutrition are on the rise. The study assessed the influence of food downtrend on family nutrition in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the prevalence of food downtrend, the effects of food insecurity, and the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors. A survey research design was adopted, targeting households across Moba LGA. The population size was 146,496, with a sample size of 204 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including Pearson correlation. Findings revealed that food insecurity significantly influenced family health and nutrition (p < 0.05), and socioeconomic and cultural factors had substantial impacts on food downtrend. Families, especially low-income households, were more likely to consume less nutritious and cheaper food. The study concludes that food downtrend undermines nutritional wellbeing across demographics, exacerbating malnutrition risks in vulnerable populations. The study recommends government support for local agriculture, subsidized nutritious food programs, and community-based nutrition education. Further research should explore longitudinal impacts of food downtrend on different age groups and assess the effectiveness of policy interventions in curbing nutrition decline