Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate the perceived health advantages and utilization patterns of Moringa oleifera products within rural households in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The the perceived health advantages and utilization patterns of Moringa oleifera products within rural households in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. research delineated the socio-economic attributes of these rural households, assessed the extent of Moringa oleifera usage among participants, investigated the perceived health benefits associated with its use, identified factors impacting the level of utilization, and explored the challenges tied to Moringa oleifera utilization in the study locale. Employing a multi-stage sampling technique, 244 respondents were selected and administered structured questionnaires to gather primary data. The collected data underwent descriptive statistical analysis alongside the utilization of attitudinal measurement tools such as the Likert rating scale. The findings unveiled that a majority (60.7%) of respondents fell within the age range of 31 to 60, with an average age of 40. Furthermore, the majority (84.0%) possessed some form of formal education (primary, secondary, or tertiary) with an average of 13 years of schooling. Most participants (99.2%) utilized Moringa leaves, followed by Moringa fruits/seeds (89.8%), Moringa roots (87.7%), and Moringa barks (64.3%). In terms of utilization extent, Moringa leaves (X ̅ = 2.84), Moringa fruits/seeds (X ̅ = 2.07), and Moringa roots (X ̅ = 2.05) exhibited the highest utilization levels among Moringa tree products. Regarding perceived health benefits, respondents endorsed various advantages, with the treatment of High Blood Pressure (X ̅ = 4.23) ranking foremost. The Logit regression results indicated a Pseudo R2 of 0.4189 and a statistically significant Chi–squared statistic of 141.01 at p<0.01, suggesting a satisfactory model fit. Notably, marital status (2.05, p<0.05), household size (2.04, p<0.05), education (2.83, p<0.01), farming experience (1.82, p<0.1), cooperative membership (1.83, p<0.1), access to credit (3.23, p<0.01), moringa product variety (6.48, p<0.01), purpose of utilization (2.79, p<0.01), and perceived health benefits (2.17, p<0.05) were found to influence the extent of Moringa oleifera product usage. The main challenges reported were insufficient funds for Moringa purchases (X ̅ = 2.70), limited access to credit facilities (X ̅ = 2.61), and inadequate extension services (X ̅ = 2.32), ranked first, second, and third, respectively. In conclusion, respondents exhibited positive perceptions of the health benefits of Moringa oleifera products, with leaves, fruits/seeds, and roots being the most commonly utilized parts. Consequently, the study recommends the dissemination of awareness through extension agencies to promote the utilization of Moringa oleifera products.
Perceived Benefits to Wellness and Patterns of Utilization of Moringa Tree Products Among Rural Households in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
