Quantitative Analysis of Fish Consumption in Rivers State, Nigeria
S. O. Anyanwu *
Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Rivers State University of Education Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The determinants of demand for fish in Rivers State were isolated in this study. Structured questionnaire was used in eliciting information from the respondents. Cross sectional data were randomly collected from 210 respondents from the three senatorial zones. Multiple regression analysis was used in analyzing the data. Results showed that age, household size, income, price of beef and sex of the consumers were the major determinants of fish consumption in the State. The demand for fish was relatively income inelastic. Beef was a close substitute to fish therefore an increase in the price of beef leads to a corresponding increase in the quantity of fish demanded. Fish was a normal good. Policies and programmes aimed at raising the income of households such as credit liberalization should be implemented by the government. In addition the level of education of the citizens should be raised through compulsory secondary education so as to increase the level of their nutritional enlightenment which is expected to boost their levels of protein intake
Keywords: Quantitative, determinants, consumption, fish