Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Felicity Ayamga

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12

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Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Felicity Ayamga^*

Published in Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 1)

Received: 25 September 2025 Accepted: 3 November 2025 Published: 30 January 2026

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Abstract

This study investigates household consumption patterns of Early Millet (locally known as Naara) in Zuarungu, located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Early Millet is a highly nutritious and climate-resilient cereal crop rich in essential minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Despite these nutritional and agronomic benefits, its consumption has declined due to barriers such as limited affordability, inadequate access to processed forms, and negative perceptions of the crop as a “poor man’s food.” To examine the factors influencing consumption, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 households, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were collected on household demographics, attitudes toward Early Millet, perceived social influences, preparation practices, and consumption frequency. The results reveal notable generational differences, with older adults demonstrating stronger cultural attachment and higher consumption rates, while younger individuals showed lower preference and limited knowledge of preparation methods. The study also identifies variations in the forms of Early Millet consumed, the availability of value-added products, and the influence of income levels on purchasing decisions. Overall, the findings highlight both the nutritional potential and sociocultural significance of Early Millet in promoting food security and dietary diversity. The study underscores the need for public education, product innovation, and policy support to increase its appeal and accessibility. Enhancing awareness and improving market linkages could help integrate Early Millet into modern diets, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition, supporting sustainable agriculture, and preserving indigenous food heritage in Ghana.

Published in	Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12
Page(s)	21-33
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), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Early Millet (Naara), Household Consumption, Food Security, Nutritional Benefits, Theory of Planned Behavior

References

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APA Style

Ayamga, F. (2026). Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 14(1), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12

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ACS Style

Ayamga, F. Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 2026, 14(1), 21-33. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12

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AMA Style

Ayamga F. Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana. J Food Nutr Sci. 2026;14(1):21-33. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12

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@article{10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12,
  author = {Felicity Ayamga},
  title = {Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana},
  journal = {Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {21-33},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jfns.20261401.12},
  abstract = {This study investigates household consumption patterns of Early Millet (locally known as Naara) in Zuarungu, located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Early Millet is a highly nutritious and climate-resilient cereal crop rich in essential minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Despite these nutritional and agronomic benefits, its consumption has declined due to barriers such as limited affordability, inadequate access to processed forms, and negative perceptions of the crop as a “poor man’s food.” To examine the factors influencing consumption, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 households, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were collected on household demographics, attitudes toward Early Millet, perceived social influences, preparation practices, and consumption frequency. The results reveal notable generational differences, with older adults demonstrating stronger cultural attachment and higher consumption rates, while younger individuals showed lower preference and limited knowledge of preparation methods. The study also identifies variations in the forms of Early Millet consumed, the availability of value-added products, and the influence of income levels on purchasing decisions. Overall, the findings highlight both the nutritional potential and sociocultural significance of Early Millet in promoting food security and dietary diversity. The study underscores the need for public education, product innovation, and policy support to increase its appeal and accessibility. Enhancing awareness and improving market linkages could help integrate Early Millet into modern diets, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition, supporting sustainable agriculture, and preserving indigenous food heritage in Ghana.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana
AU  - Felicity Ayamga
Y1  - 2026/01/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12
T2  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JF  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JO  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
SP  - 21
EP  - 33
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7293
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12
AB  - This study investigates household consumption patterns of Early Millet (locally known as Naara) in Zuarungu, located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Early Millet is a highly nutritious and climate-resilient cereal crop rich in essential minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Despite these nutritional and agronomic benefits, its consumption has declined due to barriers such as limited affordability, inadequate access to processed forms, and negative perceptions of the crop as a “poor man’s food.” To examine the factors influencing consumption, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 households, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were collected on household demographics, attitudes toward Early Millet, perceived social influences, preparation practices, and consumption frequency. The results reveal notable generational differences, with older adults demonstrating stronger cultural attachment and higher consumption rates, while younger individuals showed lower preference and limited knowledge of preparation methods. The study also identifies variations in the forms of Early Millet consumed, the availability of value-added products, and the influence of income levels on purchasing decisions. Overall, the findings highlight both the nutritional potential and sociocultural significance of Early Millet in promoting food security and dietary diversity. The study underscores the need for public education, product innovation, and policy support to increase its appeal and accessibility. Enhancing awareness and improving market linkages could help integrate Early Millet into modern diets, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition, supporting sustainable agriculture, and preserving indigenous food heritage in Ghana.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Felicity Ayamga

Department of Catering and Hospitality Management, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana

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http://orcid.org/0009-0001-1500-0359

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Ayamga, F. (2026). Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 14(1), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12

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ACS Style

Ayamga, F. Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 2026, 14(1), 21-33. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12

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AMA Style

Ayamga F. Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana. J Food Nutr Sci. 2026;14(1):21-33. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12,
  author = {Felicity Ayamga},
  title = {Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana},
  journal = {Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {21-33},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jfns.20261401.12},
  abstract = {This study investigates household consumption patterns of Early Millet (locally known as Naara) in Zuarungu, located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Early Millet is a highly nutritious and climate-resilient cereal crop rich in essential minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Despite these nutritional and agronomic benefits, its consumption has declined due to barriers such as limited affordability, inadequate access to processed forms, and negative perceptions of the crop as a “poor man’s food.” To examine the factors influencing consumption, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 households, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were collected on household demographics, attitudes toward Early Millet, perceived social influences, preparation practices, and consumption frequency. The results reveal notable generational differences, with older adults demonstrating stronger cultural attachment and higher consumption rates, while younger individuals showed lower preference and limited knowledge of preparation methods. The study also identifies variations in the forms of Early Millet consumed, the availability of value-added products, and the influence of income levels on purchasing decisions. Overall, the findings highlight both the nutritional potential and sociocultural significance of Early Millet in promoting food security and dietary diversity. The study underscores the need for public education, product innovation, and policy support to increase its appeal and accessibility. Enhancing awareness and improving market linkages could help integrate Early Millet into modern diets, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition, supporting sustainable agriculture, and preserving indigenous food heritage in Ghana.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Consumption Patterns of Early Millet (Naara) Amongst Zuarungu Households in the Upper East Region of Ghana
AU  - Felicity Ayamga
Y1  - 2026/01/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12
T2  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JF  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JO  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
SP  - 21
EP  - 33
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7293
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.12
AB  - This study investigates household consumption patterns of Early Millet (locally known as Naara) in Zuarungu, located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Early Millet is a highly nutritious and climate-resilient cereal crop rich in essential minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Despite these nutritional and agronomic benefits, its consumption has declined due to barriers such as limited affordability, inadequate access to processed forms, and negative perceptions of the crop as a “poor man’s food.” To examine the factors influencing consumption, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 households, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were collected on household demographics, attitudes toward Early Millet, perceived social influences, preparation practices, and consumption frequency. The results reveal notable generational differences, with older adults demonstrating stronger cultural attachment and higher consumption rates, while younger individuals showed lower preference and limited knowledge of preparation methods. The study also identifies variations in the forms of Early Millet consumed, the availability of value-added products, and the influence of income levels on purchasing decisions. Overall, the findings highlight both the nutritional potential and sociocultural significance of Early Millet in promoting food security and dietary diversity. The study underscores the need for public education, product innovation, and policy support to increase its appeal and accessibility. Enhancing awareness and improving market linkages could help integrate Early Millet into modern diets, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition, supporting sustainable agriculture, and preserving indigenous food heritage in Ghana.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download