Factors that Influences Consumption of Processed Sweet Potato Products in Tanzania
Joel. J. Mmasa *
School of Economics and Business Studies, Department of Economics of University of Dodoma. P.O. Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania.
Melchior Mlambiti
Faculty of Social Science and Communicatio, Department of Economics of Saint Augustine University of Tanzania. P.O. Box 307, Mwanza, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The general objective of this study was to describe a socio-economic factor that influences consumption of processed sweet potato products. The study was cross sectional in design and was conducted in Shinyanga and Mwanza regions. The study employed individual interviews, focused group discussions, review of relevant practical documents and discussions from a total of 50 surveyed households. The data collected was summarized using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) windows versions 18.0, excel and content analysis.The survey revealed that two factors mostly influences one to consume processed sweet potato were attractive packaging (51.0%) and nutritional value (34.7%). Other factors mentioned included; taste (95.0%), freshness (80.8%), shelf life (85.8%), texture (57.5%), economy (price) (57.5%), Nutritional factor (72.5%) and color (50.8%).
Keywords: Sweet potato, value chain, processed, consumption, `