ASSESSMENT OF THE ATTITUDES OF FARMERS TOWARDS FRUITS AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ZONE D AGRO ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Aim of the study: This study examined farmers' attitudes towards the consumption of fruits and vegetables among rural households. Design/Methodology: primary data were utilized. A total of 160 respondents were chosen at random for the study. Descriptive statistics, binary logit regression, and mean scores were used to analyse the data collected. Findings: According to the findings, the majority of respondents were married men and had secondary education. The most common fruits and vegetables that respondents could find and eat were bananas, onions, and oranges. Most of the respondents get fruits and vegetables from their own gardens. Practical Implications: This study shows that Fruits and vegetables consumption were negatively affected by seasonality, income, unavailability, poor market access, storage facilities, infrastructure facilities, quality, pest and disease and post-harvest losses. Originality/value: The thrust of this work is premised on the fact that there is a current need to evaluate attitudes of farmers toward consumption of fruits and vegetables that are readily available in the study area. It makes immense contribution to the existing literature on the consumption of fruits and vegetables. The research exposes the fact that fruits and vegetables can be transformed into forms that may be conserved, extending their shelf life and, as a result, making it possible to access them year-round and reducing post-harvest losses in the rural consumers. Keywords: Attitudes, Consumption, Fruits and Vegetables, Rural households Paper Type: Research paper