Evaluation Of Smoked Fish Market Trends In The City Of Ngaoundere (Adamawa-Cameroon)

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the market trends of smoked fish in the city of Ngaoundere (Adamawa-Cameroon). A questionnaire survey was conducted among 37 smoked fish retailers in 2 subdivisions of Ngaoundere. The data collected were analysed and processed using Excel software 2016. The results showed that in the Ngaoundere I and II subdivisions, consumers of smoked fish experience scarcity during certain periods of the year and this is related to the biological cycle of the fish. Also, smoked fish is sold mainly by men (89.19%), young people aged between 20 and 40 years (83.79%). The ethnic group most represented in the sector is Mousgoum (72.97%). The main source of supply for retailers is Lagdo (54.05%). Only 10.81% of retailers obtain their supplies locally, so that 89.19% of fish sold in Ngaoundere town comes from elsewhere (Lagdo, Tibati, Lom pangar, Maga, etc.). Tilapia is the most popular species (51.35%) because of its organoleptic properties and accessibility. The average daily income of a trader is less than 15,000 FCFA (56.76%). Smoked fish is subject to attacks by pests, which are mainly insect pests (76%). The most common means of combating pests are heating with wood fires (48.65%) and the use of insecticides (24.32%). Retailers (100%) face several institutional, financial, economic and commercial constraints in carrying out their activity which if adequately addressed can help better organise the sector for the protection of stakeholders.