Obisesan AA*
Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, P.M.B 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study analyzed the demand for selected vegetables and fruits in Nigeria. It determined price effects on
demand for fruits and vegetables, examined the demographic variables influencing demand and revealed the
expenditure elasticity across income quartiles and sectors. Data from the three waves of Living Standard
Measurement Survey-Integrated Survey on Agriculture namely 2010/11, 2012/13 and 2015/16, were employed in
the analysis. The demand for bananas, citrus, pineapples, fresh okra, onions pepper and tomatoes was examined
using the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System. Households in Nigeria consumed more vegetables than fruits.
The results revealed that the staple vegetables in Nigerian diets are tomatoes, onions and pepper. It was observed
that movement in relative prices elicited high quantity response. All the fruits and vegetables included in the
model were normal goods. Vegetables and fruits responded similarly to expenditure increases in urban and rural
Nigeria. The own-price elasticities, both uncompensated and compensated agree with the demand theory. More
consideration should be given to the intensifying production of fruits and vegetables in technology development
and investment to make them available and affordable. Keywords: Demand elasticity, Food, Income, Nutrition security, Price
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