Determinants of expenditures on foods in commercial eateries by households in Aba metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

This study focused on the assessment of expenditures by households on food consumption in commercial eateries in Abia State, Nigeria. Fifty households were randomly selected each from Aba north and Aba south local government areas of the state which make up the metropolis. Results showed that the average age of the respondents was 48 years and they spent 11.5 years in school. It also revealed that an average of N1030 was spent monthly by the respondents eating in commercial eateries in places like “bukas” (local restaurants) and food hawkers; and foods eaten were mainly “garri”, “akpu” (fufu), rice, yam, fried plantain, snacks and spaghetti. Most of these foods were eaten during lunch time. Males’ especially single persons, educational status, monthly income and breakfast before leaving home, were the major factors that influenced the amount spent on eating in these convenient eateries at given levels. The study recommended that proactive measures such as Mise en place be adopted especially during lunch breaks to effectively manage demand and time spend by consumers. About 47% of the observed variables were explained in the regression means that food vendors should pay increasing attention to changes in demographic variables and other factors.