Consumers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Food Production Systems in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria

This study assessed consumers’ knowledge, attitude and perception of food production systems in University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting one hundred and twenty-nine consumers in the university. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the internet, friends/neighbour, social media and television were the dominant platforms for sourcing information on the food production systems. The food consumers had low knowledge of genetically modified food products but reasonably high knowledge of organic and conventional food products, respectively. However, the respondents had a positive attitude and perception of the three different food products irrespective of their knowledge level. Additionally, the quality of products (M=2.26), income (M=2.14) and cultural beliefs (M=1.54) were some of the factors that affected the intention of consumers to purchase the food products. Findings further revealed that packaging of various types of food products (M=1.64) and health implication of consuming food products (M=1.58) were some of information needed by consumers. There is need for more consumer education in the university community to increase the knowledge of consumers on the health, environmental and economic benefits of consuming the various food products. Additionally, government should make policies to tackle issues of exorbitant price on some food products so as to enable the consumers to purchase any food product of choice at ease