CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF FRUITS AMONG RURAL AND URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fruits are essentially composed of vitamins which are capable of improving the health of consumers. However, fruit consumption is inadequate in Nigeria. This study examined the consumption pattern of fruits among rural and urban household in Edo state, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of fruit consumers, identify the types of fruits consumed in rural and urban households, estimate the household budget share on fruits among rural and urban households in the study area, examine the determinants of fruit consumption in the study area , determine the demand elasticity of fruits in the study area, identify the problems faced by fruit consumers in the study area. There were more females than males in the study area, with a modal class of age ranging between [41-60]. Most of the respondents (76%) acquired tertiary education in the urban area, while most (53%) only acquired tertiary education in the rural areas. Average income level in the rural and urban centre was about ₦38,000 and ₦118,000 respectively, with trading being the most practiced occupation in both areas. Pineapple was the highest consumed fruit (53.40%), while star apple was the lowest consumed fruit (2.91%). Budget share was highest for food items (0.44), while budget share for fruits was 0.17. Age, household size, and income were significant determinants of household expenditure of food, with age and household size having a negative relationship, while income had a positive relationship. Stomach sensitivity (3.42) was found to be the only serious constraint to fruit consumption in the study area