Sustenance and Enhancement through Home Economics

The mission of Home Economics is to respond to the problems of the individuals, families and the society as a whole. If the needs of individuals in the family are met they would have the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the smooth running of their homes towards a better society. Azunwena, Reginah and Nchelem (2012 p.1).

There is a wide range of definitions on Home Economics but one by Guiley (1969 p.2) from Reginah (ibid) state that Home Economics is a field of knowledge and services primarily concerned with strengthening the family through educating the individual for family living, improving the services and goods used by families, conducting research to discover the changing needs of individuals and families and the means of satisfying these needs. Home Economics areas of activities are development, use of resources and management of human and material resources for the greater welfare of individuals, families and human society in its entirety.

Home Economics is concerned with the way individuals and families manage resources to meet physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic needs. It focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills and attitudes that will enable the individual take control of their own lives at present and in the future in the world of work or other life situations. Home Economics protects the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities (Azunwena et al., p.2) It must be emphasized that Home Economics is a skill oriented subject providing its beneficiaries with opportunities for small and medium large businesses where individuals can be self employed. Home Economics training can reduce problem of unemployment and poverty in the family and the society at large.