Determinants of consumer knowledge, frequency of intake and attitudes on traditional African vegetables in Tanzania

Consumers in sub-Saharan Africa derive a major portion of their diets from vegetables which have been found to play a significant role in human nutrition, especially as important sources of vitamins, essential minerals, dietary fiber, and various phytochemicals. However, the consumption of vegetables is still below the recommended level by WHO and FAO. This study examined the factors that influence the nutrition knowledge, frequency intake and attitudes of consumers towards Traditional African Vegetables (TAVs) consumption. Generalized poison and factor analysis were used for analysis. Data were collected from purposively selected 262 consumers in Tengeru, Embaseny and Bangata markets in Arumeru District, Tanzania. Results showed that years of schooling, age and nature of occupation influenced consumer’s nutrition knowledge. Intake Frequency of TAVs was influenced by distance to the market, taboos, price of TAVs and consumers annual income. Factor analysis results indicated that taste, health, freshness and perception influenced consumption of TAVs. These findings imply that consumption of TAVs can be enhanced by educating consumers on the health benefits of TAVs. There is also need to train consumers on preparation and cooking techniques of preserving taste as well as promoting storage technologies which would preserve freshness and nutritional contents of TAVs.