ACCESS TO ANIMAL-SOURCE FOODS AMONG URBAN DWELLERS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS

Abstract

The importance of proteins in relation to healthy human life cannot be over-emphasized. Animalsource foods (ASFs) are rich sources of protein. The consumption of protein in the appropriate quantity and quality is crucial for proper growth and development in children and healthy life for adults. Access to animal-source foods (ASFs) is therefore of utmost importance. This study seeks to identify and examine the factors that influence access of consumers to animal-source foods in Ibadan
metropolis. A multistage sample survey of one hundred and twenty urban dwellers from three wards in Ibadan south west Local Government Area was carried out in order to achieve the study’s objective. Results revealed that age, level of education, number of children below eighteen years old, distance from home to market and price influence consumers’ access to ASFs. Price and distance     from home to market had negative influence while age, education, number of children below eighteen
years old had positive influence on access to animal-source foods. ASFs such as snail and rabbit meat were reported to be scarce and very expensive when available. This gap between demand and supply of these ASFs provides opportunity for investments in appropriate agricultural enterprises that will bridge the gap.