Fruit Consumption among Staff of Agricultural Based Institutions

Fruits play a significant role in human nutrition, especially as sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The human diet will be considered imbalanced without the presence of the recommended quantities of vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients necessary for proper development of humans are found only in fruits. This study investigated fruits consumption among staff of agricultural-based institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using stratified random sampling technique considering the three strata of trade unions existing in the Institute. Data collected from 311 members of staff were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression model. The most preferred fruits are plantain (91.3%), banana (89.7%), sweet orange (87.5%) and apple (86.2%). On the other hand, the least preferred fruits are lemon (40.5%) and lime (46.9%). On daily basis, only 21.5% of the respondents consumed sweet orange. The result further showed that 47.9% consumed plantain, sweet orange (38.9%), banana (38.6%) and only 4.8% consumed grape fruit, lemon (5.1%) and lime (5.5%); 2-3 times per week.  Moreover, 67.2% of the respondents purchase their fruits from neighborhood market while only 2.6% patronize grocery stores. The regression result revealed that educational status of the respondents as well as their monthly income significantly (p<0.05) increases fruit consumption. The most limiting constraint to fruit and vegetable consumption was inadequate storage facilities (27.4%). In essence, staff of agricultural based institutions should be sensitized on increasing their fruits consumption. Also, they should be enlightened on appropriate short term storage methods to improve the shelf-life of fruits they purchase for consumption. Keywords: Fruits, consumption pattern, fruit preference, mode of consumption, constraints

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OYO STATE

Studies have shown that adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables is vital to sound health. Eating vegetables and fruits appears to keep the brain young and prevent mental decline due to ageing. In Nigeria, many studies on fruit and vegetable consumption concentrated on adult population but empirical study on fruit and vegetable consumption pattern of students has rarely been considered. The study was therefore carried out to assess fruit and vegetable consumption among students of tertiary institutions in Oyo state, Nigeria. Two hundred well-structured questionnaires were administered to students through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions. The result revealed that the most preferred fruit by students was banana (34%) while the least preferred was cashew (1%). The most preferred vegetable was pumpkin leaves (32%) while the least preferred was celosia (20%). Only 37% of the students consumed the recommended fruit and vegetable intake. Regression analysis showed that student income, sex, parent’s income and Availability of fruit were statistically significant and determined fruit consumption among student (p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.10). The study recommended creation of awareness on the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption among students

Economics of value addition in tomato

Post-harvest losses during the peak season of tomato production reduce its profitability and availability. Processing tomato into value added products could minimize loss experienced. The study evaluated costs and returns in small scale processing of tomato into tomato dry slices, powder, whole peel and puree. Data was compiled during the training of 200 youth and women on tomato value added products and analyzed using the profitability indicators such as Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR) and Rate of Return on Investment (ROI). The Highest cost of N250, 180 was incurred when 1 tonne of fresh tomato was processed into whole peel tomato; the least production cost per tonne of processed tomato was incurred with tomato puree (N138,780). The most profit, N549,820/tonne of fresh tomato processed, was for whole peel tomato, followed by tomato puree (N161,220) and the least profit of N64,310/tonne from dry tomato slices. Processing tomato into dry slices, powder, whole peel and puree had BCRs of 1.38, 1.08, 3.19 and 2.16. The rate of return on investment of 0.38, 0.8, 2.19 and 1.16 was obtained for tomato dry slices, powder, whole peel and puree indicating profitability of the enterprises. Processing tomato into value added products is profitable, reduces post-harvest losses and may improve stakeholders’ income and livelihood

Competitiveness and Effects of Policies on Plantain Production Systems in Southwestern Nigeria

Plantain is one of the most important staple crops in Nigeria and has the potential to contribute to food security and economic development of the country. There is inadequate information on competitiveness, comparative advantage and effects of government policies on the commodity. The study therefore analyzed competitiveness and effects of government policies on plantain production systems in Southwestern Nigeria. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire from 260 producers randomly selected from major production areas in the zone. Secondary data on port charges and world prices were also utilized. Data were analyzed using Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). Results indicated that plantain production was privately and socially profitable in all the productions systems. Domestic resource cost ratio of 0.16 – 0.19 and social cost benefit ratio of 0.20-0.23 revealed that southwestern Nigeria had comparative advantage in the production of the commodity. The policy indicators and incentives structure such as the nominal protection coefficient on output (0.31-0.42) and input (1.02-1.04), effective protection coefficient (0.26-0.37), profitability coefficient (0.21- 0.32), subsidy ratio to produces (-0.51 to -0.62) and producers subsidy estimate (-1.70 to -2.02) showed that the producers were taxed and there exists transfers of resources from the systems. The study recommends formulation of policies which are consistent with the country’s goals of agricultural transformation, food security and economic development