'Cotonou Pineapple Versus Nigerian Pineapple’ Survey: Preliminary Evidence

This post is devoted to sharing preliminary results from the survey on ‘determinants of purchase decisions on pineapple’ powered by Research Policy Shop. The objective of the Survey was to examine factors influencing purchase decisions between imported pineapples from Cotonou, Benin Republic and locally cultivated Nigerian pineapples. 

 Factors examined by the Survey include consumer income, tastes and preferences, habitual consumption and location of purchase. Target respondents were individuals of different age categories who consume pineapples, sell pineapples, farm pineapples or use pineapples in furtherance of their business objectives. Research Policy Shop deeply appreciates everyone who took a few minutes out of their busy schedules to participate in the Survey.
 


Thankfully, 87 per cent of the respondents were habitual consumers of pineapple, with varying degrees of frequency in purchase, for the purpose of personal as well as household consumption. Respondents in the pilot survey were of different age and income categories, and resident in south-west, south-east and south-south locations at the time of the survey. 

 It is important to note that over 60 per cent of usually purchased lower-priced pineapples (Cotonou pineapples) and their purchase decisions depended largely on sweetness, affordability, price/availability and size. Other factors related to the appearance of the pineapples - fibre texture and skin colour - also play a significant role in the choice of pineapples purchased.

99 per cent of respondents reckoned sweetness of pineapples pivotal in making purchase decisions. Next to sweetness is the affordability and availability which 86 per cent of respondents considered somewhat important. Pineapple skin colour and texture, standard measures of ‘likelihood to be sweet’ were also considered important by 72 per cent and 73 per cent of respondents respectively. 

 Furthermore, one-to-one interaction with survey respondents revealed that after-taste, tartness, durability, perception about sugar content and age of respondent determines consumer’s choice among pineapple baskets in the marketplace.  For instance, older respondents may consider patronising less-sweet local varieties which they consider more ‘nutritious’. Thus, a follow-up survey and focused group discussions with pineapple farmers and traders was deemed necessary.

Going forward, the research report will present policy implications for Nigerian policies on agricultural trade, sustainable rural development and agro-industry development. It also addresses issues regarding value-chain of pineapple production, distribution and consumption.

The discussion continues…

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Adverse Import: Cotonou Pineapple Vs Nigerian Pineapple

Image
I like the tropical fruit called pineapple and it serves as a sweet base for some of my homemade fruit juices. I have observed in recent times as I shop in local markets and around town for pineapple that there are two varieties –  slim-shaped pineapples and robust pineapples. The slimmer pineapples are usually the majority available with general purpose or specialized fruit vendors and can be bought at low prices (between NGN40 – NGN80 a piece depending on size). On the other hand, the robust variety are sold at relatively higher prices (between NGN150 – NGN250 a piece).  Of course I usually purchase the cheaper variety because it is readily available in larger quantities than the robust type. Recently, while shopping for fruits at a nearby cluster of sellers, I had bought the robust type (because the slim type was not available) and discovered a difference in colour, taste and texture. On a fact finding mission (during another market visit) while bargaining for a set of
Read more

A New Dawn: SDGs, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Image
Beginning today Friday 25 th through Sunday 27 th September 2015, Heads of State and Government and High representatives will meet at the 70 th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to ratify the blue print of the post-2015 Development Agenda – Sustainable Development Goals. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development focuses on transforming the world with a focus on 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership. The blueprint is indeed a product of conscientious consultations involving various stakeholders deliberating and debating various thematic and sub-thematic issues. The Task Force improved on the consultative processes that birthed the MDGs. Consequently, the SDGs are a product of wider and more inclusive consultations on elements essential to creating the World We Want by 2030. Also, in many ways the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seeks to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what it could no
Read more

Opinion Survey on Nigeria’s 2015 Presidential Elections: Preliminary Results

Image
Many thanks to everyone who has participated in the opinion survey on Nigeria’s 2015 presidential elections powered by Research Policy Shop . You are deeply appreciated. Respondents are male and female Nigerians, of different age groups, religious affiliation, with states of origin spread across the six geopolitical zones. This post is devoted to sharing preliminary results from the Survey. For the most part, respondents (54%) base their prospective voting behaviour on their personal evaluation of the candidate’s past/prospective performance. Another 45% of respondents base their prospective voting behaviour on ‘desirable personal characteristics’ of the choice candidate. A larger percentage of the respondents so far originate from South-West Nigeria. Most of the respondents (72%) noted they are likely to vote for the APC candidate. Irrespective of their personal voting intentions, 69% of the respondents think the APC candidate will likely win the P
Read more

The Difference is Clear: Nigerian Police Barracks Versus Military/Naval/Air Force Barracks

Image
It is not only of 7Up’s taste that we can say   ‘the difference is clear’ , we can also say same of the Nigerian police barracks in contrast with military/naval/air force (MNA) barracks.  Sometimes, irrespective of their location, the physical state of police residential buildings and adjoining environment is deplorable, with pockets of disorganized vendors and poor waste management systems.  On the better hand, MNA residential areas have relatively cleaner environments, better maintained buildings and organized trading areas. As a development economist, I am bothered that this ‘physical’ differential may be a signal to more serious social welfare issues. Having keenly observed this disturbing real world phenomenon over a few years, there are some intriguing questions which I hope research and policy can address in the days to come: What is the extent of income and welfare differentials among different categories of the Nigerian armed forces? What accounts for the di
Read more