FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION FREQUENCY BY URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN GHANA - IMPLICATIONS FOR POSTHARVEST HANDLING

The paper examines the frequency of eating fruits and vegetables in three major cities in Ghana applying survey data collected by authors in 2011. Results based on responses provided by over 1,000 households indicate that tomato and orange were the most often eaten vegetable and fruit, respectively. However, there are substantial regional differences implying the importance of climatic differences and availability of specific types of produce. The paper also reports differences in purchased fruits and vegetables between those spending below or above the sample average on these two food categories and reports on differences in the selection of retail outlet type in shopping for fruits and vegetables. Knowledge of the identified differences has direct implications for the suppliers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables in Ghana.