INFLUENCING FACTORS OF SATISFACTION WITH LIFE AMONG SPICES PRODUCER-GATHERERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Understanding life satisfaction across populations is imperative in the well-being of nations, as people who are satisfied with their lives are often positive about life, live longer, happier, and fulfilled lives. Empirical discussions over time have emphasized the significant influence of income and income groups on the life satisfaction of individuals. This study, however, aimed at ascertaining the influence of occupation on the life satisfaction of rural households. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 78 spice producer-gatherers in Imo state, Nigeria, whose occupation is cultivating and gathering spices. The study revealed that a large proportion of respondents were male (51.3%), married (59.0%), educated (78.3%), and had a large household size (56.8%). The study revealed that hot pepper and ginger were largely produced, while Alligator pepper and Ethiopian pepper were predominantly gathered in the state. The majority, 84.6% and 79.5% of respondents, were satisfied with the relationship with their children and with their social relationships, respectively. Also, 48.2% and 47.4% of respondents respectively disagreed with having all the important things they want in life and changing almost nothing about their lives. The majority (61.5%) showed a high level of satisfaction with life, with a mean score of 27.8 (SD = 7.2). Marital status, education, and participation in social organizations influenced the life-satisfaction of spice producer-gatherers as significant relationships were revealed (χ²=2.636; χ²=6.777 and r=0.224, p<0.05). Education should be encouraged among rural households, as well as participation in social organizations, as activities and interactions in these organizations influence life satisfaction and enhance household wellbeing.