CONSUMER AWARENESS ON THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF <i>FURA DA NONO</i> CONSUMPTION IN BAUCHI CENTRAL ZONE, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed consumer awareness level of the nutritional benefits of Fura da Nono consumption in Bauchi Central Zone, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained through the used of structured questionnaire and interview schedule techniques. The respondents were selected through multi-stage sampling procedures. The study used descriptive and Chi-square statistics to analyze the objectives of the study and test the hypothesis. The result of the analysis confirmed that Fura da Nono drink plays a vital role in improving dietary health and malnutrition. Awareness of its nutritional benefits is high, but many perceptions are based on cultural beliefs rather than scientific knowledge. The drink also provides essential macro and micronutrients as indicated by the respondents. Despite its benefits, scientific awareness and policy support remain limited. Therefore, it is imperative to promote the drink in the study area. Many consumers rely on word-of-mouth knowledge rather than documented research. The findings also shows that drinking Fura da Nono has a significant health benefit among the respondents as indicated by the result of Chi-square analysis (p = 0.000). Based on the research findings, the study recommended that; health extension workers and nutritionists should be encouraged to create more awareness on Fura da Nono drink, government and community leaders should develop public health campaigns to educate communities on the scientific nutritional benefits of Fura da Nono beyond traditional belief, training programs should be created for women and small-scale dairy producers on good hygienic preparation and processing.