Factors influencing consumption of nutrient rich forest foods in rural Cameroon
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Appetite
Abstract
Studies show that a number of forest foods consumed in Cameroon are highly nutritious and rich in
health boosting bioactive compounds. This study assessed the knowledge and perceptions towards the
nutritional and health promoting properties of forest foods among forest dependent communities. The
relationship between knowledge, perceptions and socio-demographic attributes on consumption of
forest foods was also determined. A total of 279 females in charge of decision making with respect to
food preparation were randomly selected from 12 villages in southern and eastern Cameroon and
interviewed using researcher administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was
used to identify the factors affecting consumption of forest foods. Baillonella toxisperma (98%) and
Irvingia gabonesis (81%) were the most known nutrient rich forest foods by the respondents. About 31% of
the respondents were aware of the nutritional value and health benefits of forest foods. About 10%e61%
of the respondents expressed positive attitudes to questions related with health benefits of specific forest
foods. Consumption of forest foods was found to be higher among polygamous families and also positively
related to length of stay in the forest area and age of respondent with consumption of forest foods.
Education had an inverse relationship with use of forest foods. Knowledge and positive attitude towards
the nutritional value of forest foods were also found to positively influence consumption of forest foods.
Since knowledge was found to influence attitude and consumption, there is need to invest in awareness
campaigns to strengthen the current knowledge levels among the study population. This should positively
influence the attitudes and perceptions towards increased consumption of forest foods.
Description
Keywords
Forest foods, Food habits, Cultural beliefs and ethnic foods
Citation
Fungo, R., Muyonga, J. H., Kabahenda, M., Okia, C. A., & Snook, L. (2016). Factors influencing consumption of nutrient rich forest foods in rural Cameroon. Appetite, 97, 176-184.