Consumption Frequency of Selected Animal Protein Sources Among Rural Households in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed frequency of consumption of selected protein sources among rural farm households in Enugu State, Nigeria. A sample size of 50 rural households in the study area were selected through a multi-stage random sampling technique. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as Probit Regression model. The results show crayfish (99.3%), milk (98%), fish (96.0%), cow meat (94%), Chicken (92%) were the animal protein sources most readily available to the rural households in the area. Nevertheless, he results further show that crayfish (X= 6.62), fish ( = 5.94) and cow meat ( = 5.04) were the frequently consumed animal protein sources while pig meat (X= 2.18) was scarcely consumed by rural household in the study area. Furthermore, factors such as household size/composition, knowledge of relevance of protein, household’s choice of meat were positively related to frequency of consumption of animal protein sources at 1% significant level. On the other hand, factors such as variety of household meals, household educational status were negatively related to frequency of consumption of animal protein sources at 5% and 1% significant levels respectively. Therefore, the study recommended that nutritional enlightenment campaign should be mounted in the area to encourage rural households incorporate readily available and affordable animal protein sources especially crayfish and fish, and cow meat in their meals as conscious efforts to boost household protein intake.