KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF STUDENTS OF MIDDLE-LEVEL AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA TOWARDS INFORMATION ON FOOD LABELS

Abstract

 This cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of students of middle-level agricultural institutions towards information on food labels. The multi-stage sampling technique involved, firstly, the selection of four (4) middle-level agricultural institutions located in Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States of Nigeria. Secondly, 226 students were randomly selected and interviewed  using a structured questionnaire and data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 56.2% of the respondents were male and 43.8% females, about 57% fell under the age cohort of 20-24 years. Majority of  the respondents (87.6%) claimed to have knowledge of food labels, while the major source of information on same turned out to be  the media. The regression analysis to establish relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge and use of food labels indicated that some were statistically significant while some were not. Major constraints limiting the knowledge and use of food labels were identified and recommendations, including public sensitization and  the enforcement of policy guidelines were proffered with a view to enhancing better knowledge and utilization of food labels among Nigerians.