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Published:
Oct 30, 2018Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Nutritional Knowledge and Food Vending in selected Markets in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Abstract
Food vending is a vital business operation that helps to ensure the food security and well-being of thousands of people in developing economies. This study analyzed food vendors' sales and nutritional knowledge in selected markets in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study was carried out using a multistage random sampling technique. A total number of 50 respondents (food vendors) were used for this study (20 in Abakpa main market, and 15 each in Kpiri-kpiri and Eke-aba markets in Abakaliki metropolis). The findings showed that the food vendors had a limited understanding of nutrition requirements, even though the food vending industry found to be very profitable, with a gross margin of 52,891 per month and a net return of 47,408.33 per month among the vendors, suggesting a high degree of profitability. Several constraints restricted the food vendors' ability for increased sales. The constraints include an unfavorable (space) market climate, insatiable customer taste preferences, and inadequate funds to expand the business. Although food vendors' nutritional awareness was found to be positively correlated to their sales, efforts should be made to educate them on the fundamentals of nutrition, as this will also expand their knowledge of hygiene requirements and increase their sales.
