CONSTRAINTS ON FISH PREFERENCE AND CONSUMPTION PATTERN IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fish is one of the main key ingredients on global menu consumed by rich and poor people. This study examined constraints associated with fish preference and consumption pattern in Lagos State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 112 respondents for the study. Data were collected on types of fish preferred, respondents’ income, constraints and forms of fish consumed using a structured questionnaire. Frequency counts, percentage, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used to analyze the data. Result revealed that the most preferred frozen, fresh and processed fish were Mackerel (x̄ = 1.46), Clarias spp (x̄ = 0.85) and fried fish (x̄ = 1.38), respectively. Most of respondents’ income (30.4%) fell between N10,001 to N20,000. Inadequate power supply (x̄ = 1.69), high cost of fish (x̄ = 1.58), and poor income (x̄ = 1.56) were some of the constraints that affected fish consumption in the study area. Mackerel (94.5%), fried fish (74.9%) and Gymnarchus niloticus (37.8%) were the most consumed form of frozen, processed, and fresh fish respectively. Result of PPMC showed that relationship exists between consumers’ income level (ᵡ² = 0.008; r = 0.398; and P≤ 0.05) and consumption of fish. Also, there exists a difference (P≤ 0.05) in the consumption pattern of fish between rural and urban consumers (t = -2.109; df = 109; and P = 0.037). The study concluded that consumers’ income level and access to power supply posed great challenge to consumption and preference for fish in the study area. Government should intensify effort in providing stable power supply.