Social Relationship and Coping Strategies of Food Scavengers in Aramoko Ekiti, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study assessed social relationship and coping strategies of food scavengers in Aramoko Ekiti. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 food scavengers at social gatherings from whom data were collected. Primary data on respondent’s living condition, social relationships and coping strategies used when there are no ceremonies were obtained using an interview schedule and notes on observation on social relationships within and outside family members were taken. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, case studies and Coping Strategies Use Index (CSUI). Findings reveal that majority (83.3%) of the food scavengers obtained their drinking water from well and borehole that either belonged to their community or neighbors. Most (56.7%) of the respondents did not have access to any kind of toilet facilities in their homes. Social relationships of the food scavengers reveal that neighbours treat them with contempt. CSUI reveals that reduction of number of meal taken (CSUI-79) was ranked first, this was followed by borrowed food from a friend / relative and purchasing food on credit (CSUI-153 respectively). The least coping strategy utilized was carrying of loads in the market (CSUI-17). The study concluded that food scavengers have unpleasant living conditions and experienced social relationship problems. The study recommended that any empowerment programmes that embark on alleviating poverty should be monitored toward the target audiences.