Awareness of Food Nutritive Value and Eating Behaviors Among Peri-Urban Vegetable Farmers: Implications for Extension Services and Rural Education

This study sought to investigate the awareness of food nutritive value and eating behaviors among peri-urban vegetable farmers in Southeastern Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. A sample of 300 vegetable farmers took part in the study. Means and t tests were employed for data analysis. Results showed that peri-urban vegetable farmers were aware that nutrients are transported to cells in the body by water, water supports the removal of waste materials from the body, water helps to maintain stable internal body temperature and so on, but were unaware that fat and oils provides energy for the body, blood sugar levels can be raised by carbohydrates, and that production of insulin is supported by glucose. Eating practices commonly adopted included skipping breakfast, eating in between meals, and buying snacks as lunch, among others. There were no significant differences between male and female vegetable farmers in mean responses on food nutritive value or in eating practices adopted. Good eating habits will help farmers not only to improve their nutritional well-being, but also to prevent nutrition-related diseases. The implications for extension services and rural education are discussed in the context of these findings.