Research Article
A Hedonic Price Analysis of Physical and Functional Attributes of Ginger in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
37-45
Received:
11 June 2026
Accepted:
25 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijfet.20261002.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study investigated how physical and functional quality attributes influence ginger prices in Nigeria using a hedonic pricing model. A total of 960 ginger retailers were selected from 480 Enumeration Areas across 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory through a multistage sampling procedure. The research covered major ginger-producing and consuming regions to capture geographical differences in market characteristics and price formation. Descriptive statistics were used to profile retailers, while hedonic regression analysis assessed the effect of quality attributes on market prices. The results revealed notable socioeconomic differences between market categories. Female retailers dominated in producing states, whereas male retailers were more prevalent in consuming states. The average age of retailers was 42 years in producing states and 40 years in consuming states, indicating that participants were largely within economically active age groups. Although quality characteristics were generally similar across regions, average retail prices were higher in producing states (₦1,586 kg-1) than in consuming states (₦1,504 kg-1). The hedonic model for producing states demonstrated very high explanatory power, accounting for approximately 99% of price variation (R2 = 0.9903). Emulsion capacity and texture significantly increased ginger prices, while larger bulb size and higher oil-holding capacity reduced market value. In consuming states, the model explained 70.16% of price variation (R2 = 0.7016). Hygroscopicity positively influenced prices, whereas texture deterioration and larger bulb size significantly lowered them. Overall, both physical and functional quality attributes significantly affected ginger prices, though their influence differed across market groups. Promoting quality-based grading and marketing could enhance value capture, improve market efficiency, and strengthen competitiveness within Nigeria’s ginger value chain.
Abstract: This study investigated how physical and functional quality attributes influence ginger prices in Nigeria using a hedonic pricing model. A total of 960 ginger retailers were selected from 480 Enumeration Areas across 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory through a multistage sampling procedure. The research covered major ginger-producing and ...
Show More
Research Article
Molecular Identification of Enterotoxigenic Genes from Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates of Soy Milk Sold in Enugu Metropolis
Celestina Chibuzo Ugwu*
,
Gloria Obianuju Ojeh
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
46-60
Received:
15 June 2026
Accepted:
30 June 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijfet.20261002.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Soy milk is an excellent food beverage and at the same time harbors pathogenic bacteria due its nutritional contents. Staphylococcus aureus as one of the pathogens produces enterotoxins that cause food poisoning which are of public health importance. The study aimed at determining the molecular identification of enterotoxigenic genes from Staphylococcus aureus isolates of soy milk sold in Enugu Metropolis. The isolates were identified and characterized using standard microbiological and molecular methods. A total of fifty (50) soy milk samples were collected within Enugu metropolis. The average total viable counts ranged from 4.1×102 cfu/ml to 1.0×102 cfu/ml. Out of fifty (50) soy milk samples collected, 42 (84%) were Staphylococcus aureus while 8 (16%) were negative. Out of 42 (84%) positive samples, 30 (60%) were coagulase -positive Staphylococcus aureus and 12 (24%) were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus using 16SrRNA gene at 1500bp and classical enterotoxin genes (SEA-SEE) respectively in all the three isolates examined. It was observed that the isolate A had 94.14% pairwise similarity with Staphylococcus strain KKP3462, isolate B had 92.32% similarity with Staphylococcus strain 2288 and isolate C had 94.8% similarity with Staphylococcus strain IDS-GIS36. The phylogenetic relatedness revealed that the isolates are related genotypically. Although the soy milk samples had low bacterial counts, the presence of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus highlights potential public health risks. These findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring, strict hygienic practices and effective quality control measures in soy milk production to ensure consumer safety.
Abstract: Soy milk is an excellent food beverage and at the same time harbors pathogenic bacteria due its nutritional contents. Staphylococcus aureus as one of the pathogens produces enterotoxins that cause food poisoning which are of public health importance. The study aimed at determining the molecular identification of enterotoxigenic genes from Staphyloc...
Show More
