UTILIZATION OF SWEETPOTATO-BASED CONFECTIONERIES AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the utilization of sweetpotato-based confectioneries among rural households in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described selected socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, ascertained respondents’ awareness of sweetpotato-based confectioneries, examined respondents’ level of utilization of sweetpotato-based confectioneries, and identified constraints to the utilization of sweetpotato-based confectioneries in the State. Multi stage random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and thirty-two (132) rural households from the State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Linear regression and z-test. Results revealed that the majority of respondents (80%, 75%, 86%, 55% & 96%) were female, did not have extension contact, did not have access to credit, were not members of social organizations and did not realize any income from utilizing sweetpotato-based confectioneries respectively in Abia State. Additionally, the mean age, household size and level of formal education of the respondents were 48, 6 and 8 respectively. More than 60% of the respondents were not aware of sweetpotato-based confectioneries while the level of utilization was low (1.16). The major constraining factors against utilization of sweetpotato value-added innovation include, lack of funds (x? = 2.72), insufficient knowledge of practices (x? = 3.40), lack of equipment/facilities (x? = 2.13) and lack of follow-up trainings (x? = 3.42). Level of utilization of sweetpotato value added innovation was significantly influenced by some socio-economic factors like level of education (10%), income from sale of products (1%) and ‘produce for sale’ (1%). There is therefore, the need for massive promotion and popularization of sweetpotato value-added innovation in the State in order to increase its awareness and subsequent utilization.