Preferences for groundnut products among urban residents in Ghana

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study identifies factors influencing preferences for common groundnut products using information about product perceptions from residents in Ghana's cities collected in 2011. In Ghana, domestically produced groundnuts, processed into a variety of groundnut products, are a vital source of protein and other nutrients. RESULTS Response summaries provide insights about eating frequency of various products, while a bivariate ordered probit model identifies factors influencing preferences for groundnut paste and roasted groundnuts. Attributes such as taste, protein content, and healthfulness are important for roasted groundnuts, while aroma, taste, and protein content are associated with a preference for groundnut paste. Large households prefer paste, while the less educated and those from households with children prefer roasted groundnuts. Adding a child (4 to 12 years old) increases probability of “liking very much” roasted groundnuts and additional adult at home changes that probability regarding groundnut paste. College-educated consumers prefer groundnut paste less than those with less education. Consumers from Tamale and Takoradi prefer roasted groundnuts and groundnut paste more than Accra households. CONCLUSIONS Taste and protein content are attributes of groundnut paste and roasted groundnuts preferred by consumers. Location is a significant factor shaping preference for roasted groundnuts and groundnut paste.