SURVEY OF SHELLFISH CONSUMPTION IN IKPOBA-OKHA AND OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to examine shellfish consumption in Ikpoba Okha and Oredo Local Government areas of Edo State. This is to, investigate the social economics of sellers,processing and storage and consumers’ preference. A total of 135 respondents were sampled who are mostly sellers. The data collected were from four market locations namely; Ikpoba, Oba, New Benin and Oka Markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and the SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data.The study revealed that majority of the respondents were between the age of 40 to 49 years and were married (74.1%). Prawn (54.8%) was the most purchased. Majority of respondents (97%) across the markets, sold processed shellfish. Results further revealed that across the markets, the most common selling price range for shellfish was ₦100 - ₦500 (45.2%). The source of business capital was from personal savings. It was recommended that government should provide training and support in the adoption of improved preservation techniques to reduce losses.