Analysis of Determinants of Demand for Sweet Potatoes by Households in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the Determinants of Demand for Consumption of Sweet Potatoes by Households in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, examine their income and expenditure levels, determine factors that affect demand for sweet potatoes, and identify constraints they face. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of 130 respondents. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. The result revealed that 76.9% of the respondents were male, with a mean age of 42 years, and 71.5% of the respondents were married, with a mean household size of 2 persons. The average monthly income of the respondents was ₦65,853.85, while average monthly expenditure on food was ₦9,986.22, with a mean of ₦1,091.15 being spent on sweet potatoes monthly. The result of the regression shows that the educational level, the income level of the respondents, the price of substitute crops and the taste preferences of the respondents were statistically significant at 1%, 1%, 1% and 5% levels, respectively, in affecting the demand of sweet potatoes by households in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The major constraints faced by sweet potato consumers in the study area include difficulty in storing sweet potatoes for a long time, perishability of the product, and price fluctuation. The study recommends better means of storage for the consumers and a price review for affordability.