SALES OF AGRICULTURAL FOODS: THE DANGER IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR

Omorogbe, Christie & Micah, Damilola John

Department of Nursing Science, University of Benin, Benin Nigeria

Department of Sociology, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko

E-mail:damilolamicah@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Food poisoning and fraudulent practices associated with agricultural consumption foods have assumed ugly trend in the Nigerian market. This means consumers are largely vulnerable in the ever increasing market of agricultural foodstuffs. Though efforts were made to check the trend, the reality tends to persist without boundary. This is an indication that previous works were either inadequate or not empirical to address grave area for proactive solution. In light of this gap, the main objective of the study addressed weight and measurement cheat, and the causes of food poisoning in Bodija market, south western Nigeria. The study was hinged on Steven Messer’s and Richard Rosenfeld’s Institutional Anomie theory. The study adopted descriptive design method. Cross sectional survey, quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The study population comprised buyer, seller and government official as key informants. The sample size was limited to 140 respondents. Multi stage sampling was use. This comprised purposive, simple random of ballots, stratified and convenience. The instrument of data collection comprised questionnaire, in-depth interviews and key informant. Data were collected and analysed at both quantitative and qualitative methods

Two dimensions of food poisoning were identified. Poisoning caused by farmers as a result of preservation of harvested foods by chemicals (78.9%) and those caused by sellers in their inordinate ambition for profits (69.9%). At least 75.9% of the consumers experienced weight and measurement cheat. About 60.7% of the buyers said they had knowledge of the unethical practices committed in the market place. Not less than 50.0% of the sellers were also aware of measurement cheats. The methods used included boiling derika measurement rubber to reduce size (46.7%), collaboration with artisans to boycott standard measures (19.6%) or giving false information on actual gauge (e.g. in grams, kilograms) of food items (10.9%). About 21.6% of the buyers had experienced food poisoning leading to severe health damages or death (2.1%) in some cases. To ensure protection of consumers, 19.8% suggested government regulation of informal sector through routine inspection and check to comply with standards. At least 14.6% suggested consumer education through the media.

However, food consumption in Bodija market showed that both literate and non literate consumers, high and low income earners converged to purchase their needed food materials. This means everybody is vulnerable to whatever unethical practices in place, though varied by age, education and income. In the effort to protect consumers, it is important that government should establish specialized agency to regulate the sector, extend NAFDAC services to monitor agric foods. Consumers should also insist on standards.

Keywords: Informal sector; Food Poisoning; Weight and Measurement; Agricultural Raw Food; Consumer and Seller