Determinants of Bean Variety Purchase Decisions among Urban Households in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Beans are an important, affordable source of plant-based protein for urban households in Nigeria, yet they are often treated as a homogeneous commodity in food consumption studies and policy discussions. Limited empirical evidence exists on how urban households differentiate among bean varieties and how socioeconomic factors influence these choices. Understanding varietal preferences and expenditure behavior is essential for improving dietary diversity and food security in rapidly urbanizing settings. This study aimed to examine urban households’ purchase decisions for different bean varieties in Ogun State by analyzing consumption patterns, expenditure allocation, varietal preferences, and the socioeconomic determinants of choice and diversity. Data were collected from 360 urban households using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse consumption and expenditure patterns, while a double-hurdle regression model was used to identify factors influencing both the decision to purchase specific bean varieties and the level of expenditure on them. The poison regression model was used to determine the factors influencing the common bean type/preference chosen by the respondents. Cereals and non-food items accounted for the largest shares of weekly household expenditure, while pulses formed a smaller but nutritionally important share. Nigerian brown beans (Ewa Olotu/Drum) and honey beans (Ewa Oloyin) were the most consumed varieties, with preferences shaped by cooking time, grain size, and perceived quality. The double-hurdle model showed that education, employment status, income, gender, and household size significantly influenced purchase decisions and expenditure levels (p<0.05). Female-headed households and those with higher education and employment status had a greater likelihood of purchasing preferred varieties and exhibited higher varietal diversity, while larger household sizes were associated with reduced diversity in bean choices. Urban households in Ogun State make economically rational and differentiated choices regarding bean varieties rather than viewing beans as a uniform commodity. Policies that enhance income opportunities, education, women’s empowerment, and access to affordable, fast-cooking, and high-quality bean varieties can improve household welfare, dietary diversity, and food security.