SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MEAT CONSUMERS IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

This study assessed the socio-economic characteristics of meat consumers and their pattern of consumption in Samaru, Zaria Kaduna State. A random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results obtained revealed that few (31.2%) of the consumers fell within the age bracket 30-39 years. Others (27.5%) were within the age range of (20-29) and a mean of 38.025. The findings of the study also showed that most (75.0%) of the respondents were males and more than half (65.0%) were married. 33.8% had tertiary education, 27.5% had secondary education while 16.2% had informal education. Also, few (40%) of the respondents had house-hold size of 1-5, followed by 30.77% those with house-hold size of 6-10 Also, more than half (61.25%) of respondents consumed their meat as cooked and fried, followed by 26.25% that cooked without frying, while 11.25% liked it roasted, however 1.25% liked it barbecued. An understanding of socio-economic characteristics of meat consumers is important for the development of strategies necessary for the improvement of the livestock industry.