ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to give updated information on Fish consumption preferences, and the factors that tend to influence their choices in Benin-City metropolis of Edo State.
A multistage sampling technique of 200 respondents for four (4) local government areas within Benin City was undertaken using a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, factors that influence consumers’ preference, as well as types of fish commonly purchased by consumers for frozen and fresh fish species. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software version 12. The local government areas visited include, Egor, Oredo, Ovia North East, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. Two metropolises each were randomly selected from each local government area visited, and a total of 8 towns was random selected from the four metropolises. A total of 25 fish consumers were chosen from each of the 8 towns, making a total of 200 respondents.
The social-economic characteristics include age, sex, family size, religion, marital status, educational level. The study revealed that most of the respondents (66.0%) were married, with the majority practicing Christianity 96.0%). The result also shows respondents were made up of 55.4% females and 44.6% males. With higher percentages of the respondents within the age range of 31-41 years old. The study also revealed that smaller family size (68.1%) of 1-5 persons per household was the majority. It also shows that the majority of the respondents had formal education, with only 5.6% of the respondents who seems to be primary school holders or not educated formally.
It could be deducted from the study that two out of the nine factors which influence consumers preference, were highly significant; (Taste, and Price). Some other determinant factors that tend to influence consumers’ preference for fresh and frozen fish, in terms of market proximity, availability, shelf life, ease of preparation and smell, were also significant.
