AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF FEMALE YOUTHS ON THE USE OF ACHI IN UYO METROPOLIS OF AKWA-IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Udoh E.S., David U.E., Frank, N.N and Nyong, E.E

Abstract
This study described the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of female youths regarding the use of Achi (Brachystegia eurycoma) as an indigenous food thickener in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from 200 female youths aged 18- 40 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Key findings revealed that while awareness of Achi (97.5%) was high, specific nutritional knowledge of this thickener was generally poor. Attitudes were largely positive (mean=3.96) regarding the culinary and functional utility of Achi but this positive sentiment did not translate into regular practice. Practices for Achi as a food thickener was consistently low, scoring a mean use of "Rare" (Achi=2.14). The findings strongly suggest that enhancing deep, practical knowledge about the health benefits and efficient preparation methods of this thickener is the most powerful intervention strategy for promoting their adoption. Additionally, encouraging the revival of intergenerational knowledge transfer by encouraging mothers and grandmothers to consciously teach younger females not just how to cook with this thickener, but emphasizing its nutritional advantages over artificial alternatives may improve the use of this condiment as food thickener.