Awareness, perception and constraints to consumption of pro-vitamin a cassava foods among women of reproductive age in Ikire, Nigeria

Abstract

Pro-vitamin A cassava was introduced to Nigeria since 2011; however, the consumption remains low. Increased consumption of pro-vitamin A cassava foods can complement other vitamin A deficiency control initiatives. The study was designed to assess the awareness, perception and constraints to consumption of provitamin A cassava foods among women of reproductive age in rural and urban areas of Ikire, Nigeria. The cross-sectional study involved 200 women aged 15-49 years (100 each), selected using a three- stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire including awareness, perception, and constraints to biofortified cassava products consumption. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and Chi square test at p < 0.05. Age of respondents was 31.50±9.30 years and 27.00±9.80 years among rural and urban respondents, respectively. More respondents from rural (22%) than urban areas (2%) had no formal education. More respondents from urban than rural had ever heard (55%; 53%), seen (49%; 43%), tasted (40%; 29%), were aware of the benefits (36%; 9%), and had ever consumed  (20%; 16%) biofortified cassava foods, respectively. Acceptability of colour (29%; 24%), taste (27%; 20%), aroma/flavour (26%; 20%), and texture (26%; 18%) was higher in rural than urban areas, respectively. Only 12% and 2% of urban and rural respondents considered pro-vitamin A cassava foods affordable. Rural/urban variation exists in awareness and perception of pro-vitamin A cassava foods, however, knowledge of their benefits and perceived affordability remain major constraints in both areas. A multi-faceted approach to promote nutrition education and policy support for increased affordability are recommended.