Determinants of fast food consumption in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Consumption of fast-food in Uganda is becoming an increasingly important component of the food market as more of the working class choose to dine out rather than prepare meals at home. Despite the importance of the fast-food sector, limited attempts have been made to study the consumption and expenditure behaviour of consumers of fast-food in Uganda. The main objective of this study was to assess characteristics influencing the consumption of fast-food in Kampala district. Specifically, the objectives of the study were: to assess the factors influencing the probability of consuming fast-food; and to determine the level of expenditure on fastfood. Primary data on socio-economic characteristics were collected from a sample of 300 respondents using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The study revealed that majority (90%) of the respondents consumed fast-food. The consumption of fast-food was most motivated by their taste and convenience. Results from the Heckman model show that household size, education level and distance from work-place to restaurant negatively influenced the probability of fast-food consumption and level of expenditure on fast-food while disposable monthly income had a positive effect on the probability of consumption and level of expenditure on fast-food. The high demand for fast-food is seen as an easy solution to consumers’ busy schedules and limited meal preparation time. As changing tastes and need for convenience become the goal of households, consumption of fast-food will be expected to rise especially in urban areas. This increase in fast-food consumption, coupled with rising population and urbanization in Uganda offers new market opportunities for agribusiness firms to exploit the growing demand by investing in the fast-food sector and producing sufficiently for this market. In addition, fast-food establishments should ensure proximity of their products and services to the consumers as convenience greatly influences fast-food consumption. Future research should include identification of sources of agricultural products used by fast-food outlets to provide information about the contribution of the fast-food sector to agricultural marketing and farmers’ livelihoods in Uganda.

Fast food consumption habits among young people in south western Nigeria

“…These factors have previously been identified among college students (4). Having holiday job was an independent predictor found in this study which is not unconnected to possible availability of disposable income, suggest some level of independence and increased likelihood to spend more time away from home or hostel (21). Similarly, the earlier years of the study was found to predict frequent fast food consumption.…”

Eating away from home is associated with overweight and obesity among Ugandan adults: the 2014 Uganda non-communicable disease risk factor survey

“…When socioeconomic levels increase, kiosks provide the main source of away-from-home foods [ 36 ]. On the other hand, fast food establishments like Nando’s, Domino’s pizza, and Steers are mostly preferred by the working class in Uganda [ 6 ].…”

“…EAFH is becoming increasingly popular in Uganda due to changing demographic trends. In particular, the working class now prefer EAFH to eating at home [ 6 ]. The prevalence of EAFH has been reported to be 39.2% in Uganda, and reportedly, 69.5% of men and 30.5% of women eat ≥ 3 meals away from home per week [ 7 ], which underscores the importance of this eating behavior in Uganda.…”

An overview of the Ugandan food system: outcomes, drivers & activities

“…The increase in income in middle-class families and in the influences of urbanisation encourages dietary diversification, including increased consumption of animal products, sugars, fats and processed foods. As urbanisation intensifies and the middle-class population expands, there is a likelihood that a significant proportion of the population will be driven to consume unhealthy fast foods, changing the country's nutritional profile and placing burdens on the health sector (Ayo et al, 2012). Fast food is seen as an easy solution to consumers' busy schedules and limited meal preparation times that are the result of urban lifestyles.…”

“…However, the share spent on ultra-processed food increases with rising income and is higher for urban households (26%) than rural households (14%). The major motivations for consuming fast-food are taste, convenience and relatively short preparation time (Ayo et al, 2012).…”