Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints

Saaka Laila; Ellen Olu Fagbemi; Doreen Dedo Adi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17

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Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints

Saaka Laila^*

, Ellen Olu Fagbemi

, Doreen Dedo Adi

Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 6)

Received: 27 September 2025 Accepted: 18 October 2025 Published: 28 November 2025

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Abstract

Soybeans are widely cultivated in East Gonja, yet their household use remains uneven despite clear nutritional and livelihood benefits. This study assessed household consumption patterns, awareness and perceptions, and constraints shaping soybean utilization to inform targeted nutrition and livelihood interventions in the municipality. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied to a sample of 384 households selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed in the Statical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and binary logistic regression). Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were thematically analysed in NVivo to contextualize quantitative findings. Household utilization was high overall (289/384, 75.26%). Most users reported 1–2 uses in the prior 7 days (48.96%), with the majority indicating year-round use (58.85%). Typical monthly use clustered at 1–2kg (39.32%). Mothers were most often responsible for soybean meal preparation (94.46%), and local markets were the primary source (61.25%). Awareness of processing methods was high (87.50%); just over half had received preparation information (52.86%); nearly all believed recipe access would increase use (97.92%); and two-thirds reported household-level processing (67.71%). Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between utilization and sex, education, household size, and income (all p ≤.019), and between utilization and cultural acceptance, attitudes, awareness of processing, reported challenges, and belief that recipes would increase use (all p ≤.013). In the multivariable model (LR χ² = 182.688, p <.001; pseudo-R² = 0.737; n = 380), neutral attitude predicted markedly lower odds of utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.018, p <.001), while awareness of processing methods predicted higher odds (AOR = 3.338, p =.016). Sex, education, household size, and reported challenges were not significant after adjustment. Soybean consumption is common in East Gonja but is shaped by attitudes and know-how. Neutral dispositions toward soybean meals constrain use, whereas awareness of processing methods enables adoption. Routine preparation roles held by mothers and reliance on local markets frame day-to-day use. These findings point to practical levers for improving household nutrition through soy.

Published in	International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17
Page(s)	428-440
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Soya Bean, Utilization, Consumption Pattern, Perception and Constrain

References

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Laila, S., Fagbemi, E. O., Adi, D. D. (2025). Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 14(6), 428-440. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17

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ACS Style

Laila, S.; Fagbemi, E. O.; Adi, D. D. Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2025, 14(6), 428-440. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17

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AMA Style

Laila S, Fagbemi EO, Adi DD. Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2025;14(6):428-440. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17

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@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17,
  author = {Saaka Laila and Ellen Olu Fagbemi and Doreen Dedo Adi},
  title = {Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints
},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {428-440},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20251406.17},
  abstract = {Soybeans are widely cultivated in East Gonja, yet their household use remains uneven despite clear nutritional and livelihood benefits. This study assessed household consumption patterns, awareness and perceptions, and constraints shaping soybean utilization to inform targeted nutrition and livelihood interventions in the municipality. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied to a sample of 384 households selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed in the Statical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and binary logistic regression). Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were thematically analysed in NVivo to contextualize quantitative findings. Household utilization was high overall (289/384, 75.26%). Most users reported 1–2 uses in the prior 7 days (48.96%), with the majority indicating year-round use (58.85%). Typical monthly use clustered at 1–2kg (39.32%). Mothers were most often responsible for soybean meal preparation (94.46%), and local markets were the primary source (61.25%). Awareness of processing methods was high (87.50%); just over half had received preparation information (52.86%); nearly all believed recipe access would increase use (97.92%); and two-thirds reported household-level processing (67.71%). Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between utilization and sex, education, household size, and income (all p ≤.019), and between utilization and cultural acceptance, attitudes, awareness of processing, reported challenges, and belief that recipes would increase use (all p ≤.013). In the multivariable model (LR χ² = 182.688, p <.001; pseudo-R² = 0.737; n = 380), neutral attitude predicted markedly lower odds of utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.018, p <.001), while awareness of processing methods predicted higher odds (AOR = 3.338, p =.016). Sex, education, household size, and reported challenges were not significant after adjustment. Soybean consumption is common in East Gonja but is shaped by attitudes and know-how. Neutral dispositions toward soybean meals constrain use, whereas awareness of processing methods enables adoption. Routine preparation roles held by mothers and reliance on local markets frame day-to-day use. These findings point to practical levers for improving household nutrition through soy.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints

AU  - Saaka Laila
AU  - Ellen Olu Fagbemi
AU  - Doreen Dedo Adi
Y1  - 2025/11/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 428
EP  - 440
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17
AB  - Soybeans are widely cultivated in East Gonja, yet their household use remains uneven despite clear nutritional and livelihood benefits. This study assessed household consumption patterns, awareness and perceptions, and constraints shaping soybean utilization to inform targeted nutrition and livelihood interventions in the municipality. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied to a sample of 384 households selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed in the Statical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and binary logistic regression). Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were thematically analysed in NVivo to contextualize quantitative findings. Household utilization was high overall (289/384, 75.26%). Most users reported 1–2 uses in the prior 7 days (48.96%), with the majority indicating year-round use (58.85%). Typical monthly use clustered at 1–2kg (39.32%). Mothers were most often responsible for soybean meal preparation (94.46%), and local markets were the primary source (61.25%). Awareness of processing methods was high (87.50%); just over half had received preparation information (52.86%); nearly all believed recipe access would increase use (97.92%); and two-thirds reported household-level processing (67.71%). Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between utilization and sex, education, household size, and income (all p ≤.019), and between utilization and cultural acceptance, attitudes, awareness of processing, reported challenges, and belief that recipes would increase use (all p ≤.013). In the multivariable model (LR χ² = 182.688, p <.001; pseudo-R² = 0.737; n = 380), neutral attitude predicted markedly lower odds of utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.018, p <.001), while awareness of processing methods predicted higher odds (AOR = 3.338, p =.016). Sex, education, household size, and reported challenges were not significant after adjustment. Soybean consumption is common in East Gonja but is shaped by attitudes and know-how. Neutral dispositions toward soybean meals constrain use, whereas awareness of processing methods enables adoption. Routine preparation roles held by mothers and reliance on local markets frame day-to-day use. These findings point to practical levers for improving household nutrition through soy.

VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Saaka Laila

Department of Hospitality & Tourism Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-5467-1460
Ellen Olu Fagbemi

Department of Hospitality & Tourism Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9188-9797
Doreen Dedo Adi

Department of Hospitality & Tourism Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana

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APA Style

Laila, S., Fagbemi, E. O., Adi, D. D. (2025). Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 14(6), 428-440. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17

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ACS Style

Laila, S.; Fagbemi, E. O.; Adi, D. D. Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2025, 14(6), 428-440. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17

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AMA Style

Laila S, Fagbemi EO, Adi DD. Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2025;14(6):428-440. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17,
  author = {Saaka Laila and Ellen Olu Fagbemi and Doreen Dedo Adi},
  title = {Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints
},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {428-440},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20251406.17},
  abstract = {Soybeans are widely cultivated in East Gonja, yet their household use remains uneven despite clear nutritional and livelihood benefits. This study assessed household consumption patterns, awareness and perceptions, and constraints shaping soybean utilization to inform targeted nutrition and livelihood interventions in the municipality. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied to a sample of 384 households selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed in the Statical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and binary logistic regression). Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were thematically analysed in NVivo to contextualize quantitative findings. Household utilization was high overall (289/384, 75.26%). Most users reported 1–2 uses in the prior 7 days (48.96%), with the majority indicating year-round use (58.85%). Typical monthly use clustered at 1–2kg (39.32%). Mothers were most often responsible for soybean meal preparation (94.46%), and local markets were the primary source (61.25%). Awareness of processing methods was high (87.50%); just over half had received preparation information (52.86%); nearly all believed recipe access would increase use (97.92%); and two-thirds reported household-level processing (67.71%). Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between utilization and sex, education, household size, and income (all p ≤.019), and between utilization and cultural acceptance, attitudes, awareness of processing, reported challenges, and belief that recipes would increase use (all p ≤.013). In the multivariable model (LR χ² = 182.688, p <.001; pseudo-R² = 0.737; n = 380), neutral attitude predicted markedly lower odds of utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.018, p <.001), while awareness of processing methods predicted higher odds (AOR = 3.338, p =.016). Sex, education, household size, and reported challenges were not significant after adjustment. Soybean consumption is common in East Gonja but is shaped by attitudes and know-how. Neutral dispositions toward soybean meals constrain use, whereas awareness of processing methods enables adoption. Routine preparation roles held by mothers and reliance on local markets frame day-to-day use. These findings point to practical levers for improving household nutrition through soy.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Household Utilization of Soybeans in East Gonja Municipality: Consumption Patterns, Perceptions, and Constraints

AU  - Saaka Laila
AU  - Ellen Olu Fagbemi
AU  - Doreen Dedo Adi
Y1  - 2025/11/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 428
EP  - 440
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.17
AB  - Soybeans are widely cultivated in East Gonja, yet their household use remains uneven despite clear nutritional and livelihood benefits. This study assessed household consumption patterns, awareness and perceptions, and constraints shaping soybean utilization to inform targeted nutrition and livelihood interventions in the municipality. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied to a sample of 384 households selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed in the Statical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and binary logistic regression). Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were thematically analysed in NVivo to contextualize quantitative findings. Household utilization was high overall (289/384, 75.26%). Most users reported 1–2 uses in the prior 7 days (48.96%), with the majority indicating year-round use (58.85%). Typical monthly use clustered at 1–2kg (39.32%). Mothers were most often responsible for soybean meal preparation (94.46%), and local markets were the primary source (61.25%). Awareness of processing methods was high (87.50%); just over half had received preparation information (52.86%); nearly all believed recipe access would increase use (97.92%); and two-thirds reported household-level processing (67.71%). Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between utilization and sex, education, household size, and income (all p ≤.019), and between utilization and cultural acceptance, attitudes, awareness of processing, reported challenges, and belief that recipes would increase use (all p ≤.013). In the multivariable model (LR χ² = 182.688, p <.001; pseudo-R² = 0.737; n = 380), neutral attitude predicted markedly lower odds of utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.018, p <.001), while awareness of processing methods predicted higher odds (AOR = 3.338, p =.016). Sex, education, household size, and reported challenges were not significant after adjustment. Soybean consumption is common in East Gonja but is shaped by attitudes and know-how. Neutral dispositions toward soybean meals constrain use, whereas awareness of processing methods enables adoption. Routine preparation roles held by mothers and reliance on local markets frame day-to-day use. These findings point to practical levers for improving household nutrition through soy.

VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

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