ABSTRACT

This research examines the analysis of the demand for animal protein in Umuahia Capital Territory of Abia State, Nigeria. The following objectives guided the study; to determine the socio economic characteristics of animal protein consumers in Umuahia Capital Territory, determine the factors that influence the frequency and pattern of consumption of animal protein in the study area, analyse the effects of socio economic variables on animal protein consumption expenditure in the study area. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select 100 respondents in the study area. The result shows that beef has the highest consumers' patronage (75%) of the respondents, consuming at the rate of 3-times per day. However, the result of the multiple regression analysis using double-log function as the lead equation showed that sex, price of pork, price of mutton and price of beef were statistically significant at 10% level of probability. Age, level of education and marital status were statistically significant at 5% level of probability, while household size and income were statistically significant at 1% level of probability. The study area like many other parts of the country faces dietary protein shortage. This is mostly due to high cost of animal protein which also leads to protein malnutrition. There is need therefore for an intensified livestock and poultry production to help increase production and supply of animal protein and its consumption.