Empirical analysis of demand for apple and watermelon in Kwara State, Nigeria

In spite of the health benefits of fruits, world statistics reflect under-consumption in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. This study was therefore carried out to analyse the determinants of demand for apple and watermelon fruits in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara state, Nigeria. Using a well-structured questionnaire, a two-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents for the study. The major analytical tools employed for the study were descriptive statistics and the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model. The result of the analysis showed that the price of apple and watermelon, level of education of the respondents, the total fruit expenditure and the price of other fruits were the major factors influencing the demand for both apple and water-melon fruits in the study area. The study therefore recommends that the government should provide an enabling environment to the producers and traders for increased production and marketing of fruits to allow for a possible reduction in prices of the fruits.