Exploring the potentials of underutilised indigenous legume for nutritional welfare of rural households in the Northern Part of Oyo State Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the nature of household demand and the factors that determined household demand for pigeon pea in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 150 households. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model. The results of the study showed that the majority(87.3 %) of the sample household were male-headed, married (80 %), between the ages of 40 and 60 years, with a mean household size of nine persons, and their primary occupation was farming. On average, households consumed 2.1 kg of pigeon pea per month and the household head earned ₦460,000 ($1150) per annum. The result of the AIDS model showed that pigeon pea was a normal and necessary food, and as well as complementary food for tubers and cereals. Further, household head’s age, formal education and pigeon pea attributes (taste and cooking time), significantly influenced household’s demand for pigeon pea. Research efforts should, therefore, be tailored towards improved varieties with less cooking time, better taste and awareness creation of its nutritional value to increase production, marketing and consumption for improved nutrition security in the study area.