Ethnic Pattern of Mushroom Consumption in Delta State Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the frequency of mushroom consumption among the various ethnic groups in Delta State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from a structured questionnaire administered on a sample of 240 respondents randomly selected from 6 settlements, one each from the six ethnic groups in the study area. The result reveals a variation in the proportion and frequency of mushroom consumption among the various ethnic groups. Urhobo with 12 consumers (30 %) (Very high 1, high 2, Low 3 and very low 6 frequency), Isoko with 14 consumers (35%) (Very high 2, high 4, Low 3 and very low 5 frequency), Itsekiri with 18 consumers (45%) (Very high 0, high 2, Low 4 and very low 12 frequency), Ijaw with 18 consumers (45%) (Very high 1, high 2, Low 4 and very low 10 frequency), Ukwuani with 36 consumers (90%) (Very high 14, high 11, Low 6 and very low 5 frequency), Ibo with 38 consumers (95%) (Very high 17, high 13, Low 6 and very low 2). Mushroom consumption was influenced by the availability of the fungi, which is dependent upon the ecology of the area. Consequently, the study recommends the cultivation of mushrooms to supplement the natural production of the fungi.

Keywords: Mushrooms, Mycophagy, Ecology, Delta State