FACTORS INFLUENCING CHEESE CONSUMPTION AMONG SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS IN EJIGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cheese, a white soft un-ripened product of coagulated milk protein is a popular food in some parts of Northern and Southern Nigeria which contributes immensely, to animal protein and mineral intake especially in the rural communities. This study analyzed factors influencing cheese consumption in the study area. Accidental sampling technique was utilized to select a total of sixty (60) respondents to constitute the study sample. Relevant data were collected from respondents using interview schedule and same were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model. Findings revealed the mean age of respondents as 34 years, 80.0% of the respondents were females, 85.0% were married, 76.7% had varying degrees of formal education while 96.7% had occupational engagements with mean monthly income of ₦30,086. Results further showed that 60.0% of the sampled respondents consume fresh cheese, 3.3% fried cheese, 28.3% both fresh and fried cheese while 75.0% source cheese from the open markets. Also, 23.3% consume cheese daily, 26.7% twice in a week while 35.0% consume cheese weekly. Results of logit regression established gender, monthly income, level of formal education and nearness to cheese purchase point as the significant determinants of cheese consumption among respondents. The study concludes that despite the nutritional benefits locked in cheese, its level of consumption in the study area is not appreciable. Hence, sensitization campaigns on the food and nutritional value of cheese across the study area is highly recommended.