Abstract
This study provides empirical evidence on consumption behavior of cassava products among households in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to collect data from 120 households using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ordered Probit and Spearman correlation models. The study finds garri, fufu (pounded cassava) and tapioca as the three major cassava products consumed while rice, yam and beans as three the major substitute of garri by the households in the area. The households preferred garri over other cassava products as the factors of household choice, nutritional value and availability. The coefficient for age was negative while coefficients of cost of cassava products, marital status and household size were positively related to choice of cassava products consumed in the study area. The study therefore recommended for policies that will effectively promote cassava product consumption should emphasize on the adult population and household size.
 Key words: Choice, decision, garri, ordered Probit
Highlights
Cassava is the Nigerian most important staple food in terms of per capita calories consumed and a major source of calorie for roughly two out of every five Nigerian households (Onyemauma, 2010)
The results show that many (54.17% and 61.67%, respectively) of the respondents were females and are married. This is an indication that the decision of cassava products to consume is manly done by married women. This finding is in agreement with Onyemauwa (2010) that household consumption management in Nigeria is at the concern of women
The findings show that 73.75%, 57.50% and 45.00% of the respondents preferred garri over other cassava products as the factors of household choice, nutritional value and availability, respectively
Summary
Cassava is the Nigerian most important staple food in terms of per capita calories consumed and a major source of calorie for roughly two out of every five Nigerian households (Onyemauma, 2010). Cassava gives a carbohydrate production of 40% higher than the rice and 25% more than maize (Theodory et al, 2014). Cassava has several other advantages over other food crops (like rice, maize and other grains) as it can thrive in areas where there is a degraded resource base, uncertain rainfall and weak marginalized market structure. Nweke et al (2002) indicated five major roles of cassava as famine crops, rural staple food, and cash crop for urban consumption, industrial raw materials and earner of foreign exchange
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
