Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Consumer Fish Consumption Preferences and Contributing Factors: Empirical Evidence from Rangpur City Corporation, Bangladesh

Md. Naimur Rahman
Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, 5400, Bangladesh

Abu Reza Md. Tow fiqul Islam
Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, 5400, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Background: Fish is the important source of animal protein and regarded as the second food after rice in Bangladesh. Fish consumption is influenced by consumer socioeconomic characteristics.

Objective: The specific objectives of the current study are (i) to find information on consumers' fish consumption levels; (ii) to assess the relationships between consumer's preferences and their socioeconomic characteristics; and (iii) to investigate the factors affecting consumer fish consumption.

Method: We surveyed a total of 128 randomly selected respondents from the Rangpur city corporation (RPCC), Bangladesh in 2019 using a semi-structural questionnaire.

Main findings: The average consumption level of fish per quarterly was 1.45 kg/person. Rui (Labeo rohita), Pangas (Pangasius), Hilsha (Tenualosa ilesha) and Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) were the most frequently consumed fish species. Significant differences in consumption level were observed among the age categories, profession, gender, education, and income levels (p < 0.05). Most participants consumed fish more than once a week throughout the year and there was no seasonal impact on fish consumption. Fish consumption level was significantly and positively associated with education and income levels and negatively associated with age categories (p < 0.01). The stepwise multiple regression method elucidated 53.7% of the variance (p < 0.05) for fish consumption.

Conclusion: Fish consumption in the RPCC is lower than the average consumption level in Bangladesh particularly for lower income people. Lack of proper knowledge on fish consumption value and high price appeared as the important barrier to increase the fish consumption.

Keywords: Fish consumption, Preference, Consumer, Rangpur city, Bangladesh

Location: Rangpur city corporation, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Fish

Objectives:

The specific objectives of the current study are (i) to find information on consumers' fish consumption levels; (ii) to assess the relationships between consumer's preferences and their socioeconomic characteristics; and (iii) to investigate the factors affecting consumer fish consumption.

Methodology:

2.1. Data collection

We surveyed between early December 2019 and mid-January 2020 through a semi-structured questionnaire responded by 128 randomly selected participants that have various socio-economic and cultural characteristics and are from Rangpur city corporation, located in the northern region of Bangladesh (between 25?38′ and 25?52′ North latitudes and 89?05′ and 89?20′ East longitudes). The least number sample size for our research was computed based on the given assumptions such as likely fish consumption rate of 90%, acquired from the pre-tested survey; confidence interval of 95% and 5% sampling error, respectively. Before the initiation of the field survey, the pre-tested survey was performed on respondents for proper changes if required.

2.2. Data evaluation

A total of 20 commonly consumed fish species were measured based on a pre-tested survey to compute the annual fish consumption rate for each respondent. Later, the questionnaire on the annual fish consumption was responded to. A five-point Likert scale was employed to estimate fish consumption frequencies and coded in the following sequence (i) once a week, (ii) more than once a week, (iii) once a month, (iv) more than once a month, (v) more than once a year. Consumers' annual fish consumption level was demarcated into subcategories based on their age, sex, education, profession, marital status and income. Subcategory's fish consumption level was comparable with each other.

2.3. Statistical analyses

The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to determine the associations between consumers' fish consumption level and socioeconomic changes. Besides, the scatter diagram was used to examine the probable associations between variables. Chi-square (Fisher's exact test) test was employed to validate the probable relationships between fish consumption variables and determinants of consumer's habit. A partial correlation was used to determine the relationship between consumers' fish consumption socioeconomic subcategory and total meat consumption except for fish. Besides, consumers' meat consumption except for fish was selected as the dependent variable while the other socioeconomic subcategories were considered the dependent variable.

Source of Information: Heliyon 6 (2020) e05864

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In this study, we found that fish consumption in the RPCC is comparatively lower than the average fish consumption in Bangladesh as well as from the global perspective. Fish consumption should be continued throughout the year for healthy and balanced diets. Several constraints including prevailing traditional eating habits, high fish price, lack of knowledge for nutritious fish, and structural issues in the fishery sector significantly affect fish consumption. We also observed that if cultured fish production will increase, it may lower fish price in the fishery industry, which may lead to higher fish consumption soon. The government, NGO sector, and respective authorities can play a driving role in changing consumer consumption habits and preferences. Our regression method can be elucidated by adding other socio-demographic drivers that were disregarded in the current research. In addition to this, the logistic multinominal regression method might be more effective to elucidate fish consumption preferences. However, the impacts of socio-cultural, economic, and demographic factors of fish consumption deserve further investigation. Overall, priority must be set to training and campaign programs on a routine basis with different social organization involvements aiming to enhance consumption rate and improving hygiene level at the fish market. Hence, this study will offer valuable information about fish consumption preferences and the factors influencing in Rangpur city, Bangladesh to increase fish production and fish consumption habit and preferences.

Knowledge Management: Journal