Consumer Preference for Local and Imported Rice in Ifako- Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed consumer preference for local and imported rice in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. It specifically described the socio economic characteristics of the respondents, identified the varieties of local and imported rice available in the study area, identified respondents’ rice preferences and variables affecting consumer choices in the study area. The study also identified limiting factors to the consumption of imported and local rice in the study area. Population of the study comprises of households in the study area. Three hundred and sixty respondents were selected using the two-stage sampling technique. Primary data were collected using copies of structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and logit regression analytical tools. Results of the analyses revealed that majority of households in the study area are male-headed with average age of 40.73 years, 65.83% were married with average household size of 5 persons. Ofada rice was the most available local rice while Mama gold brand was the most available imported rice in the area. Exactly 36.67% of sampled household preferred imported rice while 63.33% preferred local rice. Major constraints to imported and local rice consumption were high price and presence of stones/debris respectively. The factors influencing preference status of respondents were marital status, price (affordability), rice availability, taste, and absence of stones/debris. The study concluded that the local rice is more preferred in the study area than the imported rice. Based on the finding that price (affordability) and availability are important variables influencing preference status of respondents, this study recommends that the government should see to it that local rice is within the reach of consumers by investing in the production and processing of local rice and making credit available to rice farmers and processors. In addition, bas