Knowledge of the Nutritional and Medicinal Use of Some Vegetables among a Cross Section of Market Women in Two Major Food Markets in Lagos State, South West Nigeria
Date
2010
Authors
Awobajo, F.O.
Olatunji-Bello, I.I.
Obilade, T.T.
Odugbemi, T.O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pakistan Journal of Nutrition
Abstract
The knowledge of the nutritional and medicinal benefits of some vegetables found around the
south west-Nigeria was tested among cross section of market women in Lagos state Nigeria, using
questionnaires and coloured pictures of seventeen of these vegetables. This study was carried out in Lagos
state which houses a cross section of the nation ethnic groups and also serves as the commercial nerve
centre of Nigeria. One thousand market women with varying level of education were selected and tested on
proper identification and their knowledge on nutritional and medicinal benefits of seventeen vegetables found
around them. Sociodemographic data such as age, educational status were also recorded. The results
revealed high percentage school dropout among the market women. There is also a level of ignorance about
the available vegetables around among the market women thou there seems to be a good appreciation of
their medicinal values. Considering the capital base of these women especially the largest age bracket of
21-45 years, we suggested that financially empowering them will reduce the vicious circle of poverty
associated with school dropout among girls in Nigeria. The populace need to be educated about the readily
available vegetables around them to reducing the incidence of macronutrient deficiencies.
Description
Keywords
Vegetable , knowledge , medicinal plants , Girls education