Determinants of Consumption Trends of Irvingia gabonensis in Ukwuani Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Bush mango (Irvingia  gabonensis) is an indigenous fruit widely consumed in West Africa, valued for its nutritional, cultural, and economic roles. This study assessed the determinants of consumption trends of I. gabonensis among households in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. A total of 100 respondents were surveyed using structured questionnaires, and the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and t-tests. The results showed that awareness of bush mango was very high (98%), and 92% of households reported consuming it regularly during the fruiting season. Consumption was most common as a soup thickener (86%), though 42% of households also consumed the fresh fruit, and 19% reported medicinal uses. Nutritional value (67%) and cultural preference (54%) were the main reasons for consumption, while affordability and medicinal benefits were also cited. Chi-square results revealed significant associations between consumption and education (χ² = 12.46, p = 0.006), income (χ² = 10.32, p = 0.012), and household size (χ² = 14.58, p = 0.001). T-tests further confirmed that higher education and income groups consumed bush mango more frequently (p < 0.01). The study concludes that bush mango is both a cultural staple and a key nutritional resource. Strengthening domestication and market support could ensure its continued role in food security and rural development.