In the African context, the family is the most important unit in an individual’s life. In
addition to the important socialization role the family plays, particularly in the absence of
social welfare programs, it also provides a social safety net for members. In Nigeria, as in
many other African countries, the concept of the family transcends the nuclear family
(regardless of its structure), as the extended family concept is very strong (Ipaye, 1983).
Recently, there has been an increased interest in the relationship between family structure
and persistent poverty in the western world. The structure of the typical American family
has evolved over the past few decades, with cohabitation and single parenthood now
generally accepted as normal family forms (Mclanahan and Casper, 1995; Martin, Emery
and Peris, 2004). The consequences of these changes for social welfare indicators like
poverty and food insecurity have also been well established as individuals in single
parent or cohabiting homes are more likely to experience poverty and food insecurity
(Mclanahan and Casper, 1995; Manning and Brown, 2006).