Comparing Nutritional Awareness of Honey Values between Rural and Urban Dwellers in Ikorodu, Lagos State

Abstract

Honey offers immense health benefits to its consumers. Despite honey's benefits to its consumers, it is unclear if there are differences in the nutritional knowledge of honey consumers in urban and rural areas. As a result, this study determined the knowledge and awareness of the nutritional values of honey among rural and urban residents of Ikorodu Local Government Area in Lagos State in order to promote its production and consumption for a healthy lifestyle. A multistage sampling approach was employed to select 147 participants. Information was collected on socioeconomic characteristics, knowledge of the nutritional value of honey, sources of awareness of the nutritional value of honey, and respondents' attitudes towards honey use. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The majority (64.8%) of participants were men, while 35.2% were women. The average age of the respondents was 41 years, with the majority (65.5%) married and earning an average of N17, 007. The majority (74.6%) of respondents had a positive view of honey consumption. 83.8% of respondents were well-informed about honey's nutritional value. There was a significant difference in knowledge about the nutritional value of honey between rural and urban dwellers (t = -3.0; p ≤ 0.05). To increase honey sales in rural areas, marketing techniques should emphasise the nutritional value of honey to potential consumers.