Economics of Household Demand for African Breadfruit (Treculia Africana) in Owerri Agricultural Zone of IMO STATE, Nigeria

The need to build up the knowledge of the current situation regarding the household demand for African breadfruit (Treculia africana) in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria led to this study. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the household demand for African breadfruit and to estimate price, income and cross-price elasticities of demand for African breadfruit. One hypothesis was tested. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting sixty (60) households who consume breadfruit who were interviewed with a well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using frequency distribution, percentages and elasticity of demand model. The findings of the study showed that the household demand for breadfruit is very high (63%) in the study area. The mean quantity demanded per month was 7kg (40 cups). Majority of the respondents consume 70% of their harvest. The result of multiple regression analysis showed that increase in household demand and price of substitute will lead to an increase in quantity demanded of African breadfruit. It was recommended that more farmers need to get involved in the production of breadfruit as it is highly demanded for its food and non-food uses.