Determinants of Choice of Yellow Yam Consumption in Nigeria: Case Study of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research analyzed various factors that affect farmers’ choice of yam species they consume in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State. Yam is important as a source of food, income and livelihood. The quest for convenient, nutritious and cheap food by consumers has necessitated the cultivation and maintenance of the yam varieties to avoid extinction of some yam species. Primary data were collected from one hundred and forty-three households; yam producers (69) and yam consumers (74). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.  Findings show that 97.1% of the farmers are male, 81.2% married, 47.8% had primary education, 68.1% engaged in mixed-farming and most of the farmers preferred planting white yam (62.3%) over yellow yam (33.3%). Yam producers had more yield from white yam than yellow yam producers. Majority (78.4%) of the yam consumers preferred white yam over yellow yam. Many (43.2%) of the yam consumers were highly educated. It was also found that educational background (t=2.419) and preferred specie (t=-2.154) were statistically significant at 5%, as consumption determinants alongside household expenses (t=-3.030), household size (t=4.252) and income (t=2.907) - all significant at 1% level. The study therefore recommends the promotion of white yam for commercial production, while yellow yam should also be promoted; especially for subsistence consumption to increase biodiversity. In addition, more land should be made available for yam production, as this will encourage yellow yam production, since the result indicates a positive correlation between land and the propensity to produce yellow yam in the study area.