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Hausa Koko: Consumer Knowledge and Preparation Methods


Francisca Korley
Esther Lamptey
Abena Amoakoa Nkansah
Georgina Benewaa Yeboah
Yaw Gyau Akyereko
Faustina Dufie Wireko-Manu

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the consumers’ knowledge about the nutritional contribution of Hausa koko, compare the traditional preparation methods, and quantify the ingredients used in its preparation. Structured questionnaire was administered to KNUST populace through online platform to determine consumers’ knowledge, whilst measurement of ingredients and methods of preparation of Hausa koko were done using weighing scale and through interview with vendors respectively. Majority (88.1%) of the respondents were young people (18-30 years), and had limited knowledge about the ingredients, nutritional composition and health benefits of Hausa koko. Hausa koko production is dominated by females (91%) from Northern Ghana with about 70% having at least basic education. About 94% of the vendors use millet as principal ingredient with varied amount of spices. The average amount of millet, ginger, red pepper, cloves, black pepper and African pepper were found to be 96.28, 2.55, 0.36, 0.38, 0.24 and 0.02% correspondingly. The process of Hausa koko production involved soaking, milling, slurry making, fermentation, boiling and mixing with boiled slurry, and this method is used by 76% of the vendors. The other vendors (24%) follow a similar process, but differs only at the milling stage where portion of the millet is mixed with the spices, and the other portion is milled separately. Trade secrets (quantity and choice of spices, and amount of water) are responsible for the inconsistencies in sensory properties. Nutritional education on Hausa koko, and standardization of its preparation methods will help increase its consumption, for improved nutrition and food security.


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eISSN: 3057-3629
print ISSN: 0855-0395