consumption frequency; negative binomial regression; nutrition security; root and tuber crops; urban households

10.15414/raae.2022.25.02.11-23

Research background: With the ever-increasing population suffering from hunger and malnutrition, frequent consumption of roots and tubers (R&Ts) is likely to improve household health and nutritional status. R&Ts contribute to improved nutrition, provide medicinal benefits and are a cheaper source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals hence much affordable for urban poor households. Despite their highlighted benefits, R&Ts consumption levels among urban consumers have reduced significantly and the reasons for the decline remain unknown. Assessing households’ consumption frequency for R&Ts is essential in enhancing their utilisation.
Purpose of the article: This study evaluated factors influencing consumption frequency for selected R&Ts among urban households of Nakuru county, Kenya.
Methods: A stratified multistage sampling technique was employed to select a random sample of 385 urban respondents, and data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The collected primary data were analysed using a negative binomial regression (NBR) model.
Findings, Value added & Novelty: The mean consumption frequency for R&Ts was seventeen times a month. Household size, monthly income, household health, farming of R&Ts, nutritional knowledge, and availability of different types of R&Ts influenced their consumption frequency among urban households. In this regard, R&Ts value addition strategies such as peeling, washing, drying, packaging and labelling could increase their acceptance as convenient foods among urban dwellers. Food policies that improve R&Ts supply chain efficiency could increase their production and consumption, consequently broadening the food base at household and national levels.

Fredrick Ouma NUANI, Eric Obedy GIDO, Oscar Ingasia AYUYA (2022) Consumption Frequency For Selected Roots And Tubers Among Urban Households Of Nakuru County, Kenya. Review of Agricultural and Applied Economics. (Number , 2022): 13-25. doi: 10.15414/raae.2022.25.02.11-23

https://roaae.org/1336-9261/doi/abs/10.15414/raae.2022.25.02.11-23

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