AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
Consumers' concern about food safety issues is growing in Nigeria which has led a to rising awareness of
the benefits of organically produced vegetables. Regardless of the increasing awareness, the willingness of
consumers to pay for organic vegetables is a major driver of their consumption. The study examined the
socioeconomic factors that influenced consumers' willingness to pay for organic vegetables in Akwa Ibom
State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected from 120 respondents using a multistage sampling technique
and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logit regression. The result showed a mean age of 38.1
years, average years of schooling was 13 years, a mean household size of six persons, 34.2% of the
respondents were civil servants, and an average monthly income of N71,110. The respondents showed a
high level of willingness to pay for organic vegetables. The binary logit estimates showed that age,
educational level, household size, health status, awareness, and monthly income positively influenced the
willingness to pay for organic vegetables. It was recommended that public sensitization on the benefits of
consuming organic food should be increased and that the government should implement higher wages to
strengthen the purchasing power of consumers.