ASSESSING PREFERENCE AND PERCEPTION OF BUSHMEAT CONSUMERS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN IBADAN, OYO STATE

Abstract

Bushmeat often serves as the primary and substantial protein source, significantly contributing to food security. The decision on which species to consume is influenced by factors such as personal preferences, public appeal, and demand. This study assessed the preference and perception of bushmeat consumers among households in Ibadan, Oyo State. A purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting the two (2) local governments namely Akinyele and Oluyole based on the predominance of bushmeat consumers. The questionnaire survey used was a structured questionnaire and involved interviews of 150 respondents from randomly selected households from the selected Local Government areas (LGAs). The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The results show that most of the respondents are of working age (16-30 years), married (50%) and averagely educated (41.3%). Many of the respondents (34.7%) are high-income earners (41,000 -70,000). The result further revealed that 97.3% of the respondents consumed bushmeat and prefer bushmeat to other meat types (82.7%). The majority of the respondents agreed to the fact that bushmeat is more accessible (40%), delicious (34%), and medicinal value to man (38.7%) than conventional meat type. Bushmeat consumption is hurting the biodiversity protection of the area and if the trend should continue in this manner, the extinction of most of the species may be inevitable. It is therefore recommended wildlife domestication should be encouraged to meet the increasing demand for bushmeat.