ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, LIVELIHOOD SHOCKS, AND COPING STRATEGIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREGNANCY NUTRITION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF SOUTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Nigeria’s ongoing economic downturn is characterized by inflation, subsidy removal, and 
escalating food costs, these have intensified livelihood shocks in rural households. Pregnant 
women remain particularly vulnerable, as negative coping mechanisms such as meal skipping, 
dietary reduction, and depletion of household assets compromise maternal nutrition. This study 
examined the relationship between livelihood shocks, coping strategies, and pregnancy 
nutrition in rural communities of Southern Cross River State. A qualitative research design was 
adopted. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women 
and household caregivers and key informant interviews (KIIs) with community leaders, health 
workers, and local government officials. Participants were selected using purposive sampling 
to ensure inclusion of those directly affected by the economic crisis. Data were transcribed and 
analyzed thematically to capture patterns and relationships between shocks, coping strategies, 
and nutritional outcomes. Findings revealed that food price inflation, job loss, and crop failure 
were the most prevalent livelihood shocks. Households coped by rationing food, borrowing, 
and prioritizing children’s meals over maternal needs. These coping strategies were strongly 
linked to reduced dietary diversity and maternal undernutrition. The study underscores the 
urgent need for nutrition-sensitive social protection policies and maternal health interventions 
tailored to the realities of Nigeria’s economic crisis.