Analysis of Income Levels on the Pattern of Breadfruit Consumption in Ebonyi State

Abstract

The output of breadfruit in Ebonyi State is gradually declining. Therefore the study analyzed the income levels on the pattern of breadfruit consumption in Ebonyi State. This is done with a view to ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from breadfruit consumption. One hundred and twenty (120) randomly and purposively selected breadfruit farmers were interviewed. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State because it was traditionally known for production of breadfruit. Data collected were analyzed using mean, Percentage and multinomial logit regression. The result showed that the respondents had a mean age of 43 years, mean household size of 8 persons and mean monthly income of ₦21,500. The study revealed a high level of consumption of breadfruit in the area with 49% consumed breadfruit at least twice a week. About 80% change observed in the consumption level of breadfruit was as result of the consumers’ income. Furthermore, about 89% variation observed in the consumption level of breadfruit was as a result of the combined effects of the identified socio-economic characteristics of respondents included in the regression model. The predominant factors that influenced the consumption of breadfruit in Ebonyi State included: price of breadfruit (x̄ =2.98), nutritional value (x̄ = 2.95), time for cooking (x̄ = 2.93), level of supply (x̄ = 2.83) and method of cooking or preparation (x̄ = 2.81). The study concluded that consumers’ socio-economic characteristics had significant influence on the consumption level of breadfruit in the area. It was also observed that there was high level of consumption of breadfruit in the area even though there were identified factors that influenced consumption level. The paper recommends diversification of sources of income to attract more people with high income in consumption of breadfruit. Also, more awareness should be created to encourage those who have not tested breadfruit to do so.