DETERMINANTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CONSUMPTION AMONG LOW-INCOME EARNING HOUSEHOLDS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS

Abstract

Improving the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FVs) in the cities is germane to increasing the nutrition of low-income households. In view of this, this study examined the socio-economic factors influencing FVs consumption behaviour of  metropolitan low-income earning households in Ibadan. Using a multistage sampling, one hundred and six (106) respondents were sampled across three LGAs in Ibadan metropolis. With a structured questionnaire, array of information about households’ socio-economic characteristics and consumption behaviour were elicited and further analyzed by descriptive and regression analyses.  Majority (67%) of the FVs consuming household heads were young, married and were averagely 38 years old.  Average household size was 5 persons. Fruits accounted for 6% and vegetables covered 11% of the monthly household food budget. Schools, hospitals, and mass media were the main source of awareness about FVs consumption.  Prices of FVs were perceived to be affordable by the households and were reported to be consumed on daily basis. Major FVs reportedly consumed regularly among the households were: oranges, banana, mango, watermelon, amaranth, waterleaf, moringa, and bitter leaf. Household size, major occupation, taste and preference, and fruit price influenced fruit consumption, while the determinants of vegetables’ consumption were education level, household size, income, taste and preference, and vegetable price. It is concluded that low-income households in Ibadan metropolis have rigid fruits and vegetables consumption behaviour. It is therefore necessary that socio-economic attributes and consumption behaviour of low-income households should be given priority in the design of interventions on fruits and vegetables’ consumption in Nigeria.