Consumption of Vitamin-A Biofortified Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) Among Agricultural Educators in Tertiary Institutions of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The present study assess the consumption behavior of vitamin A biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) among agricultural educators in tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria, and to explore the relationship between their knowledge, perceptions, and actual consumption Study Design:  Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural faculties of selected tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria, conducted between October 2023 and February 2024. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was administered to 75 academic staff across three randomly selected institutions (Federal University of Technology, Akure; Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo; Federal College of Agriculture, Akure). The questionnaire assessed consumption patterns, knowledge of health benefits, and perceptions regarding vitamin A biofortified crops. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation. Results: Out of 75 respondents, 65% reported awareness of OFSP, but only 43% had consumed it. Consumption frequency was low, with 57% never having tried OFSP. Knowledge of health benefits was high, with 100% awareness of immune system benefits and 98.4% for vision health. However, the correlation between knowledge and consumption was not significant (r = -0.06, p = 0.59), indicating that awareness did not translate into dietary behavior. Perceptions of safety and nutritional value were positive, yet accessibility issues hindered regular consumption. Conclusion: Despite high awareness and favorable perceptions of OFSP, actual consumption remains low among agricultural educators. This highlights the need for targeted interventions that address practical barriers to increase the adoption of biofortified crops in Nigeria.