Constraints to Increased Demand for African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed at providing information on the constraints to increased household demand for African Breadfruit (Treculia Africana) in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of sixty respondents were used for the study. The objectives of the study were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of African breadfruit consumers in the study area, to determine the factors influencing household demand for African breadfruit and to identify the major constraints to increased demand for African breadfruit. One hypothesis was tested. Data was collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression model were used for data analysis. Results showed that the mean age of breadfruit consumers was 42.9 years. Majority of the breadfruit consumers (58%) were civil servants as their major occupation and most (68%) of them engage in farming as their minor occupation. Age, household size, educational level, income level (household income) and price of substitute to breadfruit were significant and directly related to the household demand for African breadfruit. Most of the breadfruit consumers are constrained by much stress in preparing it and seasonality of the produce. It was recommended that youths should explore breadfruit production since majority of the breadfruit consumers fall within the active proportion of the labour force.

Keywords: Constraints, household demand, African breadfruit