CONSUMPTION FREQUENCY FOR SELECTED ROOTS AND TUBERS AMONG URBAN HOUSEHOLDS OF NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Research background: With the ever-increasing population suffering from hunger and malnutrition, frequent consumption of roots and tubers (R&Ts) is likely to improve household health and nutritional status. R&Ts contribute to improved nutrition, provide medicinal benefits and are a cheaper source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals hence much affordable for urban poor households. Despite their highlighted benefits, R&Ts consumption levels among urban consumers have reduced significantly and the reasons for the decline remain unknown. Assessing households’ consumption frequency for R&Ts is essential in enhancing their utilisation. Purpose of the article: This study evaluated factors influencing consumption frequency for selected R&Ts among urban households of Nakuru county, Kenya. Methods: A stratified multistage sampling technique was employed to select a random sample of 385 urban respondents, and data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The collected primary data were analysed using a negative binomial regression (NBR) model. Findings, Value added & Novelty: The mean consumption frequency for R&Ts was seventeen times a month. Household size, monthly income, household health, farming of R&Ts, nutritional knowledge, and availability of different types of R&Ts influenced their consumption frequency among urban households. In this regard, R&Ts value addition strategies such as peeling, washing, drying, packaging and labelling could increase their acceptance as convenient foods among urban dwellers. Food policies that improve R&Ts supply chain efficiency could increase their production and consumption, consequently broadening the food base at household and national levels.