ASSESSMENT OF AFRICAN WALNUT CONSUMPTION ON HEALTH STATUS OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN AYEDAADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE

Adeoye A, Amao, S. A, Adeagbo, T.A, Kehinde E.O, Farayola C.O — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:53:31 +0000

The preservation and utilization of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants play a crucial .role in promoting health and nutritional well-being, particularly in rural communities. This study assessed the effect of african walnut consumption on health status of household heads in ayedaade local government area, osun state, Nigeria. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, determined their awareness of the health benefits of African walnut, identified perceived health benefits, examined the effect of walnut consumption on health status, and documented constraints to its utilization. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 rural household farmers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression. Results revealed that the majority of respondents were middle-aged, married males with low educational attainment and modest monthly income. Awareness of African walnut’s health benefits was high (91.67%): with herbal practitioners (35%) being the primary source of information. Key perceived benefits included improved brain function (25%) and enhanced fertility (30%). Body Mass Index (BMI) analysis indicated that 51.67% of respondents had normal weight, while 41.67% were overweight. Regression results showed that gender, age, marital status, education, and extension contact significantly influenced BMI, while walnut consumption had a negative and significant relationship with BMI. Major constraints to utilization included Western influence (90%): lack of documentation (80%): and youth disinterest (65.83%). The study concluded that African walnut is widely recognized for its health benefits, but consumption frequency remains suboptimal. It recommends intensified nutrition education, value-chain development, and integration of indigenous knowledge into public health and agricultural extension programs to enhance the consumption and benefits of African walnut in rural communities.

IJO - International Journal of Agriculture and Research ( E:ISSN 2814-189X ) (P.ISSN: 1595-9295)

ASSESSMENT OF AFRICAN WALNUT CONSUMPTION ON HEALTH STATUS OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN AYEDAADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE