Home Economics and Family Survival: Evaluating Strategies Amid Environmental Challenges in Lagos

This study examined Home Economics and family survival by evaluating strategies adopted amid environmental challenges in selected Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified Home Economics strategies adopted by families, examined the environmental challenges affecting household survival, and determined the relationship and influence of Home Economics strategies on family survival. The study was guided by five research questions and three null hypotheses. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. The target population comprised 3,057,900 residents across Alimosho, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, and Kosofe Local Government Areas. A sample of 400 household heads and adult family members was selected using a combination of purposive, stratified, and convenience sampling techniques. Data was collected using a researcher -developed 31- item structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by three experts in Home Economics, Environmental Management, and Measurement and Evaluation, while a pilot study involving 20 respondents produced a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.84. Of the 400 questionnaires administered, 336 (84%) were properly completed and analysed. Descriptive statistics answered the research questions, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, Simple Linear Regression, and Multiple Regression tested the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that families highly adopted Home Economics strategies despite experiencing significant environmental challenges. Family survival was moderately high, while Home Economics strategies showed a significant positive relationship with and influence on family survival. The study concluded that Home Economics enhances household resilience and sustainable living. It recommended strengthening Home Economics education, improving environmental management, and expanding community livelihood support programmes.