Exploring Variability in Vegetable Consumption using Quantile Regression: The Case of Rural Households in Isabel, Leyte, Philippines

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of vegetable consumption among rural households in Isabel, Leyte using cross-sectional data. Primary data were collected through personal interviews with randomly selected households. The identification of determinants affecting vegetable consumption was analyzed using quantile regression. The estimated daily per capita vegetable consumption is below the recommended intake of the World Health Organization suggesting that vegetable consumption is relatively inadequate. The quantile regression results show that households in upland areas consistently have higher vegetable consumption than households in the lowland areas. In addition, there is a strong correlation between households who produce their own vegetable and vegetable consumption. The quantile regression results show that households producing their own vegetables are more likely to consume more vegetables. Results of the study suggests that to increase vegetable consumption, health practitioners, local government units, or stakeholders may intervene by promoting backyard gardening, community and school gardening, and improving agricultural and food systems.

Keywords

• vegetables
• per capita consumption
• rural households
• quantile regression