Investigations into the factors influencing the choice and consumption of milk and milk products in Malaŵi

Abstract

Questionnaires were administered to 163 individuals to determine the factors which influence the choice and consumption of milk and milk products among consumers in three socio‐economic groups within Lilongwe, the capital city of Malai. Another set of questionnaires was sent to 206 individuals in Salima area to assess the factors that limit the consumption of goat and sheep milk in comparison with cow milk.Whole pasteurized cow milk was the product most frequently purchased due to its flavour, taste and lower price as compared to other products. Generally, the study indicated that incomes and product prices are the most important factors influencing the choice and consumption of cow milk and milk products. Milk intolerance seems to play a very minor role. Unavailability of particular products at a particular time when the product is wanted also poses a problem. With regard to goat and sheep milk, unavailability is the major problem influencing the consumption, followed by the fact that it is not traditional to milk and consume goat and sheep milk.