Future of Food: Journal on Food

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FOOD PRICE INDEX IN NIGERIA

Gideon Onyedikachi Iheme
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

The economic effect of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on food access/demand can lead to food price changes This study was designed to evaluate the covid-19 influenced differences in food commodity prices. The study design captured eight urban markets in eight Nigerian states. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed. The number of sample points for each measure and commodity ranged from two to four per selected market. Local measures of commodities sold by traders were obtained and weighed using a calibrated weighing scale. The price equivalent of the weighted portions were obtained for three designated intervals; pre-covid-19 lockdown (September, 2019), peak of nationwide lockdown (May-June, 2020) and post covid-19 lockdown (March, 2021). Results revealed that cereals/grains significantly increased (4.87-23.53%) during the lockdown and even further (38.68-65.16%) after the lockdown. Yam, sweet potato and cassava flour (alagbo) experienced a double increase in the post-lockdown (96.32-117.5%) price. The market price for legumes/nuts increased during the lockdown (4.51-47.37%) and worsened post-lockdown (27.82-155.26%). Vegetables recorded a huge leap in price within the lockdown period (64.39-197.98%) than post-lockdown (-8.95% to 66.22%). Same was observed for goat meat (lockdown price – 30.0%; post-lockdown -12.38%). Egg and milk recorded a mild upsurge in the price during the lockdown (12.69-16.46%) and post-lockdown era (18.28-29.86%). Other essential commodities such as oil, salt and sugar experienced price upsurge as well (lockdown; 3.82 -17.07; post lockdown; 0.31-21.9%). Food prices increased during the lockdown and worsened afterwards, efforts to eliminate food system disruptions will boost food production and enhance physical accessibility

Keywords : COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown, food commodities, price differences, Nigeria ,None .

Myanmar High School Students’ Perceptions of College and International Readiness in Western Society

Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
International students are more likely to experience mental health issues and increased stress. Mental health is often surrounded by negative societal stigmas that act as barriers to seeking support and tend to lead to greater mental health concerns. International students tend to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers rather than seeking out counseling services. However, this study shows that LGBTQIA+ international students were less likely to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers due to fear of their sexual orientation being discovered and their families finding out about their identity. This study examines how LGBTQIA+ international students talk about their experiences on and off campus in relations to their socioemotional well-being. Specifically, this study sought to better understand the complexities of LGBTQIA+ students’ identities, and the challenges they faced in terms of their socioemotional well-being. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords : international students, socioemotional well-being, mental health, identity development, intersectionality, LGBTQIA