DETERMINATES OF FISH CONSUMPTION AMONG RESIDENTS OF MATAZU METROPOLIS, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Proteins are key to human nutrition and animal proteins are of high quality compared to other protein sources. Fish are a good source of animal protein however the pattern of fish consumption in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State is unclear. The current study thus looks at pattern of fish consumption and specifically, focuses on the major species of fish consumed as well as the factors that determine fish consumption. This study was conducted to examine the consumption preference of five (5) different fish types in Matazu metropolis using a total of one hundred and twenty (120) structured questionnaires. The questionnaires covered information on demographic data of the respondents, rate of fish consumption and type of fish consumed between April and September, 2022. Findings revealed that the major fish species consumed are Tilapia zilli, Bagrus bayad, Clarias gariepinus and Mormyrus rume. The major drivers of fish consumption were identified to be taste, preference, affordability and price of substitutes respectively. However, households have varied opinions on the accessibility of fish. The trend in fish consumption is decreasing due to inadequate fish supply in the study area. This paper recommended that government should support and creating awareness on the merits of fish consumption as well as training of youths in backyard fish production as strategies to boost fish production and consumption in the study area.