Abstract

The study assessed the determinants of food consumption patterns among rural and urban households in Ekiti State. Data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire administered to 180 respondents selected using a three-stage sampling procedure. This study investigates the socio-economic factors, assessed respondents’ knowledge and attitudes toward food consumption, identified key social and cultural influences, and major constraints affecting consumption pattern. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and t-tests were employed to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that most respondents were female (77.1%), married (78.8%), with a mean age of 44 years. Respondents’ dominant occupations were Civil servants (51.2%) and traders (32.9%), more than half (53.5%) had tertiary education while 6.5% had no formal education. Low income (78.2%) unfavourable policies (72.4%), and seasonal food availability (51.2%) were the major constraints to consumption patterns. Also, it revealed that cereals (97.1%) and roots/tubers (91.2%) were the most frequently, with over 90% of respondents consuming them regularly. Vegetables and fruits were also commonly consumed but less consistently, reflecting seasonal influences. Animal protein intake was moderate, with fish (70.6%) consumed more frequently, indicating affordability as an important factor. Significant differences existed in the consumption patterns between rural and urban households (t = -4.102,), with urban households showing greater dietary diversity. The results revealed that location (? = 0.321) and age (? = -0.203) influenced consumption patterns. The study concludes that household diets are largely dominated by staple foods, with location and age as key determinants of consumption patterns. It recommends strategic food and nutrition awareness programs targeted at rural households and the elderly, as well as interventions to enhance food availability and affordability.

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