Selected Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Consumption of Pro- Vitamin A Cassava Products in South-East and South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the selected socio-economic factors influencing consumption of pro vitamin A cassava by respondents in south-east and south- south Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 480 respondents. Structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions were used to elicit information on the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, level of consumption of pro-vitamin A cassava products and factors influencing the consumption of the pro-vitamin A products. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. The results of the study revealed that 77.7% of the respondents had participated in extension activities. The result further showed moderate consumption (x ? =2.05) of pro vitamin A cassava products. Major constraints to consumption of pro vitamin A cassava products by respondents included high cost of the products, the products not easily accessible and unavailability of the products. The coefficient of years spent in education, household size, farming experience, farm size, farm income, access to farm credit, group membership, participation in extension activities and level of palatability were found to influence consumption of pro-vitamin A cassava products at 1%, 5% and 10% significant levels respectively in the study area. The study concluded that most of the respondents in the study area consumed the pro vitamin A cassava products, though at a moderate rate. This study therefore, recommends that government and technology developers through the extension personnel should make the technology available, accessible and affordable for consumers in order to increase the uptake of the technology in the study area.