Preference and Purchasıng Behavıour of Selected Functıonal Foods Among Households in Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nıgerıa

Özet

The rising awareness of functional foods and their health benefits has influenced consumer preferences and purchasing behavior globally. However, limited research exists on the consumption patterns of functional foods in Nigeria. This study examines the determinants of functional food consumption in Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, using primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered physically and virtually via the KoboToolbox platform. A multistage sampling technique was employed, selecting 10 Community Development Committees (CDCs), 30 Community Development Associations (CDAs), and 300 households, with 240 valid responses for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the socio-economic characteristics, awareness levels, and purchasing behavior of respondents. A Poisson regression model was applied to identify key factors influencing functional food consumption. Findings indicate that age, marital status, and income significantly determine purchasing behavior. Family, friends, and health professionals were the primary sources of nutrition information, while local markets and roadside vendors served as major suppliers. Price and availability emerged as the most crucial factors affecting consumer choices. To enhance functional food consumption, policies should focus on improving accessibility, regulating prices, and increasing consumer awareness. Additionally, future research should expand to larger and more diverse populations to strengthen the generalizability of findings. Insights from this study provide valuable information for policymakers, food producers, and marketers to promote functional foods and support sustainable nutrition practices in Nigeria.