Browsing by Author "SYLIVIA, WOOR"

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    HONEY QUALITY AND QUALITY PERCEPTION BY CONSUMERS ALONG THE VALUE CHAIN IN NORTHERN UGANDA
    (Gulu University, 2023-04) SYLIVIA, WOOR
    Honey is the most known and vital bee product produced extensively because it possesses numerous benefits. A significant number of honey value chain actors have emerged in Northern Uganda. However, limited information exists on the honey quality at these value chain nodes. It is also unknown how consumers perceive the quality of this honey. The study used experimental design to examine the quality of honey at the different value chain nodes and cross-sectional survey designs to determine the consumers’ perception of honey quality and the honey quality attributes that mainly influence consumers’ purchase decisions. A total of 185 consumers were considered for the survey, and 70 honey samples collected from the different value chain actors across different agro-ecologies in Northern Uganda had their physicochemical properties analyzed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and laboratory analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, AMOS version 23, and GEN STAT version 13. The results showed that honey quality deterioration occurred at processor and retailer nodes. Results also showed that honey from Amudat was superior in quality, and diastase number was the only limiting factor to Northern Uganda honey. Labeling, packaging, color, origin, and price significantly influenced consumer perception of honey quality. Purity, viscosity, color, and price also greatly influenced consumer’s purchase decisions. The study concluded that Diastase Number was the major limiting factor to Northern Uganda honey and that processor and retailer nodes are the exact node where quality deterioration occurs. Labeling, packaging, color, and origin positively and significantly influenced consumers’ perception while price had a significant negative influence on consumers’ perception of honey quality. This study recommends mandatory inspections and quality testing at all nodes if the good honey quality is to be maintained.