Socioeconomic Drivers of Vitamin a Biofortified Cassava Consumption among Agricultural Professionals in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study examined the socioeconomic drivers influencing the consumption of vitamin A biofortified cassava among agricultural professionals in Ondo State, Nigeria, addressing persistent vitamin A deficiency Study Design: Cross sectional survey was used for the study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Using a stratified random sampling method, data were elicited from 80 academic staff from three tertiary institutions via structured questionnaires. Consumption frequency was measured on a four-point Likert-type scale. Data were presented using frequency tables, percentages and charts, while Chi-square and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) were used to test the study’s hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that monthly income negatively correlated with consumption of biofortified Vitamin A cassava food products (r = -0.28, p = 0.01), whereas years of awareness showed a strong positive association with its consumption (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). Furthermore, Chi-square analysis indicated that physical contact with the biofortified cassava significantly increased consumption (χ² = 45.81, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results highlight the critical role of experiential learning and physical contact with innovation in promoting the adoption of biofortified crops. Future research should explore additional contextual factors and develop targeted interventions—such as hands-on demonstrations—to further enhance dietary uptake and improve food security outcomes.