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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 21, No. 5, 2021, pp. 18019-18034
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Bioline Code: nd21056
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 21, No. 5, 2021, pp. 18019-18034
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KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF BIOFORTIFIED CASSAVA AND ORANGE-FLESHED SWEET POTATO (OFSP) IN SELECTED RURAL AREAS IN NIGERIA
Uzokwe, CA; Iheme, GO; Oteh, OU; Ewude, MC & Uruakpa, Q
Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in Nigeria. Staple crops are
targeted by biofortification efforts because they possess low micronutrient density and
are consumed in large quantities by a large proportion of poor households. This study
was designed to assess the knowledge, perception and utilization of biofortified cassava
and orange-fleshed sweet potato in selected Local government Areas in Abia and Imo
States. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A total of 710
respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured
interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit the required information.
Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage,
mean and standard deviation) and inferential (correlation) analysis. Socio-demographic
data revealed a preponderance of females, married, well-educated and working-class
respondents. Monthly income above ₦29,000 (US$ 70.54) and household size of 4-6
members were reported in 53.5% and 48.6% of the respondents. Study results further
revealed that some (34.9%) of the respondents had good knowledge, while 46.1% and
19.0% had an average and poor knowledge of biofortified staples, respectively. Orange
fleshed sweet potatoes and biofortified cassava were purchased at least once monthly
by 73.7% of the respondents, however 16.5% and 27.5% of the respondents consumed
these biofortified staples on a daily and weekly basis. Low positive perception towards
the consumption (27.5%), benefits (39.6%) and barriers (16.9%) of utilizing studied
biofortified staples was reported. A positive correlation was observed between
respondents’ knowledge of biofortified staples and their benefits perception (p =
0.003), purchase (p =0.001) and consumption (p= 0.001) frequency. Therefore, while a
good number of the respondents were fairly knowledgeable about the studied
biofortified staples, it significantly influenced the perception and utilization of these
staples, despite being reportedly low. Therefore, increased sensitization, price subsidy
and availability of these biofortified staples will help improve their acceptance and
utilization among rural households.
Keywords
Knowledge; perception; utilization; orange-fleshed sweet potato; biofortified cassava; Nigeria
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