Growing up in a typical Ghanaian household, many of us believed that cassava leaves were meant only for animal feed and never considered them fit for human consumption.
However, little did we know that these leaves are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
A CANR study has highlighted that a lack of awareness about the nutritional benefits of cassava leaves significantly influences people's decision not to consume them.
Published in the International Journal of Food Studies, the study focused on 180 consumers of leafy vegetables from 12 randomly selected communities within the Kumasi Metropolis.
The findings revealed that only 43 individuals (23.9%) were aware of the nutritional value of cassava leaves, while a significant majority, 137 respondents (76.1%), had no knowledge of their benefits.
Interestingly, older adults tend to consume cassava leaves as leafy vegetables compared to younger individuals.
The study concluded that negative perceptions about cassava leaves, along with the availability of other leafy vegetables, influenced consumers' willingness to incorporate them into their diet.
Project Lead, Prof. Fred Nimoh, recommended, "Research, educational, and health institutions should promote the consumption of cassava leaves as leafy vegetables.
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