2026 Vol-6 Issue-2 | DETERMINANTS OF YAM CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

This study examined the determinants of yam consumption patterns among urban households in Abuja, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 450 urban households using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms. Due to the absence of a comprehensive sampling frame for yam consumers in the study area, respondents were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, and multiple linear regression were employed to analyse the data. The regression model explained 51.0% of the variation in yam consumption patterns (R² = 0.510, Adjusted R² =0.462, F = 24.86 p < 0.001). The findings revealed that pounded yam (42.0%) and boiled yam (27.3%) were the most preferred forms of yam consumption, while locally produced yam varieties (66.0%) were preferred over imported varieties. The Chi-square test indicated no statistically significant association between household income and frequency of yam consumption (χ² = 18.34, df = 12, p = 0.071). Multiple regression analysis further showed that price influence was the only statistically significant predictor of yam consumption patterns (β = 0.602, p < 0.001), whereas income level and household size were not statistically significant. The study concludes that stabilising yam prices and strengthening supply chains are essential for sustaining yam consumption among urban households. It recommends investment in transportation infrastructure, improved storage technologies to minimise post-harvest losses, and policies that promote increased production and market availability of quality yam varieties