Factors Responsible for End-User Preference for Imported Ceramic Sanitary Ware in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental health through human waste management is one of the major issues of concerns to most societies and world at large. Ceramic sanitary ware (CSW) products are henceforth designed as plumbing fixture made from clay materials for hygiene purposes. Over the span of time, these products have been valued as life style products comprising water closet, wash basins, urinals, bidets, cisterns and squat pans. Ogun state is a host to two industries where these products are made and distributed yet the local market is flooded with imported brands of CSW. However, this study examined end-users’ preference for CSW as it affects distribution of locally manufactured CSW products in the study area. Questionnaires collected were administered to CSW end-users to collect relevant data. These data were processed using simple descriptive research tools. Response from the CSW marketers revealed that CSW are available for sale, but 95% of CSW available with them were imported while 83% of end-users who responded have used installed CSW in public or private toilets. However, the most important factors considered by end-user respondents, as given by Relative Importance Index (RII) of preference was Ease of cleaning (0.98) Durability (0.97), Affordability (0.96), Coziness (0.96) and functionality of products (0.95).