Abstract:
Pulses are an important source of protein, dietary fibre and complex
carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Due to the high prevalence of dietary
disorders and malnutrition in Sri Lanka, it is essential to assess food consumption
patterns. Hence, the objectives of the study were to investigate the consumption
pattern and buying behaviour of pulses, to identify the factors influencing pulses
consumption and to identify the motives and barriers to the consumption of
pulses. Data were collected from 200 households using a structured
questionnaire, supplemented by secondary data from the 2019 Household Income
and Expenditure Survey. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression
models were employed as analysis methods. According to the findings, the major
pulse varieties preferred to be consumed among the households were dhal, green
gram, cowpeas and chickpeas. The results of multiple linear regression analysis
indicated that gender, marital status, highest educational level, number of
children, monthly household income, and amount of willingness to pay for pulses
per month have a positive relationship with the consumption of pulses. The price
of pulses negatively impacts on consumption of pulses. Motives such as the
nutritional value of pulses, nutritional value awareness, health concerns and
nutritional intake of children also depicted a positive relationship with the
consumption of pulses. Barriers identified by the study included the reluctance of
family members to eat pulses, lack of time to prepare pulses and unwillingness to
change consumers’ regular food habits. Overall, consumers have given less
consideration to pulse consumption at the household level. Strategies to monitor
food consumption patterns and programs to improve the nutritional intake of
pulses by utilizing the identified motives could be recommended.
