DETERMINANTS OF DEMAND FOR MEAT PRODUCTS IN DAMATURU, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper investigates the determinants of demand for meat products in Damaturu, Yobe State in Nigeria utilizing primary data. A combination of multi-stage and purposive sampling methods were implemented to select 150 participants using a structured questionnaire. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model.The study revealed that beef was the most preferred type of meat, garnering a preference rate of 73.3%. Interestingly, mutton registered the highest average monthly expenditure among households, amounting to ₦22,986. All the three meat products were found to be negative (elastic) and statistically significant at 1%. Notably, the elasticity coefficient for beef was the most sensitive to its price with the coefficient of -23.78. Similarly, the cross-price elasticity suggested complementarity among all the meat products. Income on the other hand,had a positive correlation with meat products expenditure across all types and statistically significant at the 1% level respectively. The coefficient of Beef showed the strongest positive relationship with its expenditure although the magnitude of coefficients for all meat types confirmed that they were all luxury products. Lastly, family size was inversely related to expenditure on all meat types, though this relationship was only statistically significant in the case of beef expenditure. The study concludes that there is a positive outlook for small ruminant farming in the state. Consequently, the study recommends support for livestock farmers through subsidies, training, and improved access to markets, consumer income enhancement programs and nutrition education campaigns to raise awareness about the nutritional value of various meats, including more cost-effective options.