INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A NECESSARY TOOL

FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

F.A Anerua and J. D. Azonuche

Abstract
The paper focuses on ICT as a necessary tool for food and Nutrition
education. The concepts of ICT and food and Nutrition were clarified. The
various areas of ICT impactation was looked at. The use of ICT in achieving
food and Nutrition education, importance of ICT and the challenges were
extensively discussed. Recommendations were proffered to cushion the
challenges.

Introduction
Education is facing a great challenge in this era of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT), Handing of information has grown rapidly and has become alarming. Agbanu
(2003) asserted that the world is witnessing an expansion is the way people communicate, do business
and perform other office duties. ICT is quite a new concept and is still confusing to many people as
Ekpenyong and Nwabuisi (2002) pointed out that transactions are likely to get more complex than
they are and only those who keep pace with technology would survive and cope in the world of work.
Nowadays, Information and Communication Technology has reduced the workload of the
teacher drastically. The use of the chalkboard is gradually giving way to technological devices
through the computer e-learning, Internet etc.
The methods used in the teaching and learning of food and Nutrition in our schools include
demonstration method, role-playing problem solving, field trip, social drama brainstorming,
questioning etc. Some of these methods can be used in a classroom situation but with the introduction
of ICT, learning through some of them cannot be used. To be vast in any field of education in this ICT
era, one has to face the challenges and use the latest knowledge to solve current problem thereby
addressing contemporary issues positively in an acceptable and current manner (Olurankinse 2007)
ICT has become a sine-quo-non-in the realm of affairs in this dispensation. The major
characteristics of the introduction of ICT is the increasing understanding of the possibilities it has for
more effective communication of information and the scope it allows for greater variety and
flexibility of teaching and learning. It then means that ICT has tremendous potential to enhance
knowledge (Essen 2001). ICT is simply defined to include all information-handling tools of a varied
set of goods, applications and services that are used to produce, stare process distribute and exchange
information. (Bonn 1999). He continued that ICT would also include the use of communication
satellites, e-mail, radio, television, digital/analog, telephone, and personal computer. ICT includes
Internet and the information super highway. All these are globalization agents, which are transferring
our world into a global village where boundaries have collapsed. ICT is becoming more pronounced
worldwide such that nothing is mentioned in any area of human endeavour without reference made to
technology. This paper therefore tends to examine ICT as a necessary tool for the effective teaching
and learning of Food and Nutrition is our Educational system.

Information and Communication Technology

This is an umbrella term that includes any communication device encompassing radio,
television, cellular phones computers and network, hardware and software satellite system etc. as well
as the various services associated with them, which include video conferring and distance learning
Multidisciplinary Journal of Research Development Volume 15 No 4 September, 2010
F.A Anerua and J. D. Azonuche
(Echezona 2008). ICT according to Olurankinse (2007) is the means of learning through electrical and
electronic hardware as well as electronic computing software. She also maintained that ICT includes
learning through the Internet, web and global systems of mobile communication. (GSM) Information
literacy is very important for every one as it equips people with skill to access, decode and use
information. Akintude (2001) emphasized the use of ICT such as telephone, internet, teleconference,
audio visual materials to process, transport, disseminate and transfer voice and other data singularly or
mixed with least interference or distribution of content.
ICT has been the greatest agent of dynamic change in our society in this century. It is imparting and
changing aspect of human endeavours and specialization communication, commerce, manufacturing,
services culture, entertainment, education etc.
ICT tools are very useful, versatile and indispensable. Mukoro and Okurumeh (2007) listed out some
ICT tools to include
- Printed media (Newspaper, books, journal magazines)
- Computers
- Telephones
- Communication Network
- E-mail
- Electronic media (Radio, television, videos films)
- Telex
- Satellite
- Internet

Food and Nutrition

Nutrition is the study of food. It includes everything that happens to food from the time it is
eaten to when it performs it functions in the body. Anyakoha & Eluwa (1991) sees food as any
substance which when taken into the digestive tract, provides nourishment of the body. Food is seen
as any substance solid or liquids when eaten and digested is able to perform its functions properly.
Food and Nutrition refers to the act of utilization and absorption of food materials essentially protein,
carbohydrate, fat and oil vitamins, mineral salt and water used in the body of an organism to sustain
growth repair of vital tissues and furnish energy. Food and Nutrition as a subject deals with all aspects
of food such as purchasing preparation, serving, preservation, chemical composition of food,
functions of different food nutrients in the body, dieting, types and quantities of food nutrients
required by all ages of people in their varying state of health conditions and level of activities.
Nutrition Education discourages the use of destructive food processing techniques and
encourages the use of conservation methods of processing, cooking and serving meals. Nutrition
education eradicates ignorance that increases malnutrition level in the developing countries.

Various Areas of ICT Impacts

It is an established fact that ICT has great impact on the overall development and in many
areas of human endeavour Ossai and Oladokun (2009) specified some of these areas to include.
- Education.
Education is no longer confined to instruction within the four walls of the classroom. A
Nigerian student can in addition to his Nigerian curriculum be operating another curriculum
outside the country. This is possible because he has access to the other countries course out
line. The recommended books for the course can be downloaded.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A Necessary Tool for Food and Nutrition Education
Issues and Challenges
Health
This new communication Technology has shortened distances and eroded borders in tapping a
global store of knowledge. Awareness of different ill health are available on the internet, consultation
diagnosis and prescription can be done on line.
- Communication links
There are many aspects of the computerization in every day routine of individuals and
families, which has made the use of computer very important in the lives of people. Within
the past decade, the increased awareness in the use of computer for information and
communication have attracted much attention. Globalization has accelerated; advancement in
communication and technologies in areas such as computer, internet, mobile phones,
television and the satellite dish has also accelerated. These modern technologies have the
abilities of connecting people culturally, economically and socially strengthening the
relationship that exist amongst them.

- Money Transfers
Money is easily transferred through this modern technology especially in the area of
commerce and trading by reducing the time spent, face-to-face interaction, long distant travel
and the risk of carrying money across towns and borders for national and international trade.
Today money is paid for goods and services through electronic money transfer making
transactions faster, easier and safer.

- Internet Access
All forms of technology are easily accessible from the Internet. Students can get whatever
materials they want from the Internet. Information about food and Nutrition, Home
Economics and other related areas can be retrieved from the Internet.

The use of Information and Communication Technology in food & Nutrition Education
In order to make dissemination of information easier for the teacher of food and Nutrition,
information and communication technology gadgets are used to record, direct, lead and teach students
in learning specific concepts. Information and communication devices make learning in food and
Nutrition interesting, fascinating, effective, efficient exciting and explorative.

ICT are Used for the Following

- Used to perform nutritional analysis
- Imaging – using a digital camera to record the states in the production of bread making, cake
making and decorations
- Performing researches e.g questionnaires design, analysis of data
- Writing a recipe etc.
Information and communication technology devices include

Radio
The Radio is an audio aid, which could be electronically operated and can also be operated
with battery. It is an instructional material used to convey information and learning experiences by
sound to the students. Information on radio cannot be seen but can be heard. The radio could present
concepts such as food, preservation methods, shopping tips, good food habits, healthy living etc. The
presentation is recorded and played at the station for public enlightenment. A nutritionist may serve as
F.A Anerua and J. D. Azonuche
a resource person. This is not for students in the school alone, but for every body listening to the
programme. Questions were not being entertained in the past but with the advent of Global system of
mobile communication (GSM), listeners can ask questions and they get their answers. The Radio can
be used to present nutritional problems such as food taboos, food fads, food fallacies, protein calorie
malnutrition such as kwashiorkor, and marasmus. The Radio can also be used to give information on
research findings e.g plant protein (soya beans), which is as good as Animal protein (meat, fish,
chicken, crayfish etc).

Television.
The television is an electronic audio – visual and for teaching and learning. The information
being carried is seen visually and also heard which makes learning very interesting. Practical lessons
in food and Nutrition can be taught over the television with the expertise of the teacher as the director
such practical lessons include cookery, meal service styles, family Reciepes, Bread making, Cake
making. The instructions are taken step by step while the viewers watch. Olaitan and Agusuobo
(1991) viewed the television as a means used to generate information about learning experience at
every stage of the lesson and to produce a co-ordinated, integrated whole.

Computer System
Information about Nutrition can be gotten from computer. The information on the software
can be followed to design local presentations for use in the classroom. One can download nutrition
information from web sites on the Internet. Whitney, Cataldo and Rolfes (1991) revealed that
Nutrition Researchers have developed ‘Thinking’ a computer programme that provides a nutrition
care plan based on the client’s history, life style habits, laboratory test result and family history.
According to Nwosu (2006), the computer system has proved to be a vital electronic resources for
intellectual enhancement. Snyder and Tadesse (1995) assented that Internet service have made
communication easier. With this, the food Nutritionist can share knowledge across boarders and
obtain needed information of other parts of the world to enhance learning and teaching of the course.
The computer can be used to carry out many mathematical calculations required in assessing
the Nutritional status of people. Mkpughe (2009) listed the functions of the computers to include
 Diet Analysis programme that is designing diets and comparing them with the specification of
the diet order
 Use in food service department to store reciepe, calculate the number of meals and amount of
food to prepare print menus, maintain a current inventory and generate orders according to
predicted needs.
 They can combine the menu file from food service department with specific diet orders to
generate a list of food options for each diet.
 The computer provides shopping information on how to read food labels, determine unit
price, plan meals and reduce wastage.
 It assists dieticians in their duties by selecting alternative feeding programmes for their client.

Internet
No amount of investment can bring succour to Nutrition Education, unless through the ICT.
Nowadays, a member of the family has mobile telephone service (MTS) and personal computers with
full access to the Internet network. According to Njoku (2007) the information that brings about
breakthrough in research cones from the web in the present world because any information that is
valuable is uploaded in the Internet almost instantly. The web provides the teacher and student with an
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A Necessary Tool for Food and Nutrition Education
Issues and Challenges
amazing source of world-class current data. The Internet enhances both the teacher and students to
purchase relevant resource books and students will have access to unlimited literature and reference
materials.

The Internet Bought About

a. The online programming study
b. The chats internet study
c. The E-mail Internet study.

Importance of ICT for Food & Nutrition Education

1. ICT aid Food and Nutrition teacher to handle a high population of student and help them
receive instructions whenever they are located.
2. It creates a flexible learning environment where students are free to learn what they want.
3. ICT would make institutions in our country Nigeria where food and Nutrition is offered meet
up with world standard.
4. It allows data to be accessed by more than one person at a time
5. It enhances the employment of few staff.
6. It enables the teacher achieve his set objectives is the shortest possible time
7. It enhances a better quality experience for both the teacher and student.
8. It increases the rate of dissemination of information to the students.

The Challenges
1. Inadequate power supply
One of the major challenge that Nigerians are faced with is inadequate power supply. The
computer has to make use of electrical power to perform. Computers work effectively and
efficiently on a very conducive atmosphere where there are air-conditioners. Since we do not
have this electrical power always, using ICT without adequate arrangement for regular supply
is a big mirage.
2. Lack of adequate trained manpower.
Every ICT project has its own appropriate programme and language of documentation. The
information stored in the system can be taken out when it is needed. This requires the
knowledge of an expert without which storage or retrieval will be difficult.
3. Capital Intensive
ICT installation of Internet and other accessories and their maintenance require huge amount
of money. The purchase and installation of computers may not be possible where huge capital
is not available.
4. Lack of computers in our food laboratory
Mast food laboratories do not have computers where students and teachers can access. Most
schools prefer to build labs and equip it with Gas and electric burns without seeing the need for
computers.

Recommendations
1. ICT is the in thing now. The government should find lasting solution to the problem of power
supply.
2. Food and Nutrition teachers should be vast in ICT so as to impact the knowledge of their
students
F.A Anerua and J. D. Azonuche
3. ICT devices should be made available to schools by the Government and Non Governmental
Organizations (NGO)
4. Food and Nutrition curriculum should be designed to include courses in computer and the use
of computer programmes like power point to present topics during seminar presentation and
microteachings.

Conclusion
ICT has been discussed as a necessary tool for Food and Nutrition Education. For food and
Nutrition teachers and students to move on with this they must keep abrest with information from all
the devices of learning to make it interesting, fascinating, effective less tiring exciting and explorative.
ICT media instructions are delivered in a well-tested and reliable fashion that does not vary in
quality from one student to another. Through the use of ICT the teaching of food and Nutrition would
prove more cost effective and information made accessible to a large number of people who cannot be
catered for within the conventional education system. ICT devices will help the Nutrition Educationist
get things done easier and faster.

References
Agbanu T.P (2005). Information and communication technology competences required by employer
of NCE business graduate in Delta State. Unpublished M.Sc Project. Adult and vocational
Education Department. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Akintude S A (2001). New Emerging tools for library practice in the New millennium Journal of
library and information science 1 (3) Pg. 10-15

Anyakaoha E.U & Eluwa M (1999). Home management for schools & colleges, Onitsha African Feb
Publishers linked,.

Bonn (1999). The role of information and Communication Technology in Economic development. A
partial survey, ZEF Development policy.

Echezona R I (2005) Library intervention in promoting and disseminating of health information for
family survival. Journal of Home-Economics Research

Ekpeyong L.T & Nwabusi J. (2002) Business Education teacher in Nigeria Projecting a new
dimension. Education journal Vol 3 (5).

Essien E (2001). Dynamics of information Technology and management. A paper presented at a

workshop on information management in a democratic setting at Etc (Technology) Gombe.

Mkpughe M (2009). Information and communication technology in food and nutrition. A device for
family Economic Empowerment. A paper presented at the 2nd annual conference of school of
vocational and technology education. College of Education Ekiadolor Benin City.

Mukoro I.G & Okurumeh G.O (2007). Using information and communication to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria – Journal of vocational education Vol. 1 (3).
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A Necessary Tool for Food and Nutrition Education
Issues and Challenges
Njoku S (2007) Indispensability of information and Communication Technology in Vanguard
Newspaper Thursday 11 Pg 36

Nwosu F.C (2006). Promoting Productivity in Entrepreneurship using computer system. Journal of
Home Economics Research 7 (4) Pg. 12-17.

Olaitan, S. O & Agusiobo O N (1991) Introduction to the teaching of Home – Economics. New York:
John Wilney & Sons.

Olurankinse C A (2007). Family Economic Empowerment through information communication

Technology in Food & Nutrition. Journal of Home Economics Research 8 (1) Pg. 45-48.

Ossai B A. & Oladokun A, (2009) Combating degenerative disease through Information and
Communication Technology. A paper presented at the 2nd National conference of school of
vocational and technological education, college of education, Ekadolor Benin City. 10th – 14th
August 2009

Synder M & Tadesse M (1995) African women and development London: A History Zed Books

Whitney E.N, Cataldo CB, & Rolfes S.R (1991) Understanding normal and clinical nutrition, New
York: West publishing Coy