Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Insights from a consumer survey regarding genetically modified foods in Southern Nigeria

Global Food Security and Sustainability Conference

September 05-07, 2016 Beijing, China

Opara Christiana Ngozi

Federal university Otuoke, Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Genetic modification (GM) is a rapidly growing technology that can improve productivity and profitability for producers. The study assessed consumer acceptance, awareness and perception of GM foods in Southern Nigeria. The study is based on a survey conducted in nine states of Southern Nigeria namely Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states from August 2013 to February 2014. A consumer questionnaire was designed to generate a demographic profile for participating consumers and assess their perception. The research data were obtained through face-to-face surveys of 300 adults (aged 15 years and above) residing in the Southern Nigeria. Data were collected from randomly selected participants at two points of sale (supermarkets, kiosks), and was analyzed in terms of frequency distribution and percentages, using statistical package for social sciences. The results obtained showed that, about 75.9% of the respondents have heard or read something about GM foods indicating a high level awareness among respondents, and 62% would not object eating them. From the logit model, the study has shown that education, income and age play a crucial role in consumersâ?? decisions regarding GM food. Newspapers, magazines and internet were the most important source of information (42.9%). The vast majority of the studied subjects preferred GM food labelling. It can be conclude that GM technology has a role to play in food security in Nigeria. The survey population should be broadened to include rural and less educated consumers.

Biography :

Email: xtyo2000@yahoo.com