Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints

Soybeans are widely cultivated in East Gonja, yet their household use remains uneven despite clear nutritional and livelihood benefits. This study assessed household consumption patterns, awareness and perceptions, and constraints shaping soybean utilization to inform targeted nutrition and livelihood interventions in the municipality. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied to a sample of 384 households selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed in the Statical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and binary logistic regression). Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were thematically analysed in NVivo to contextualize quantitative findings. Household utilization was high overall (289/384, 75.26%). Most users reported 1–2 uses in the prior 7 days (48.96%), with the majority indicating year-round use (58.85%). Typical monthly use clustered at 1–2kg (39.32%). Mothers were most often responsible for soybean meal preparation (94.46%), and local markets were the primary source (61.25%). Awareness of processing methods was high (87.50%); just over half had received preparation information (52.86%); nearly all believed recipe access would increase use (97.92%); and two-thirds reported household-level processing (67.71%). Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between utilization and sex, education, household size, and income (all p ≤.019), and between utilization and cultural acceptance, attitudes, awareness of processing, reported challenges, and belief that recipes would increase use (all p ≤.013). In the multivariable model (LR χ² = 182.688, p <.001; pseudo-R² = 0.737; n = 380), neutral attitude predicted markedly lower odds of utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.018, p <.001), while awareness of processing methods predicted higher odds (AOR = 3.338, p =.016). Sex, education, household size, and reported challenges were not significant after adjustment. Soybean consumption is common in East Gonja but is shaped by attitudes and know-how. Neutral dispositions toward soybean meals constrain use, whereas awareness of processing methods enables adoption. Routine preparation roles held by mothers and reliance on local markets frame day-to-day use. These findings point to practical levers for improving household nutrition through soy.