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
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