Meat Production and Consumption Trends on the Western Highlands of Cameroon: evidence from the Menoua

Abstract

Meat constitutes an important source of protein in human diet. Meat production and consumption varies within and among nations according to variable factors attributed to consumers and their environment. This paper assesses meat production and consumption trends on the Western Highlands of Cameroon, with evidence drawn from the Menoua Division. Of the eight subdivisions in Menoua, four were chosen purposively, namely Dschang, Santchou, Penka-Michel, and Nkong-Ni because these are areas with the presence of slaughterhouses and slaughter slabs where different types of livestock are slaughtered, purchased, and consumed. The paper hypothesises that Meat production has significant relationship with consumption trend in Menoua Division. A combination of purposive, simple random and cluster sampling techniques was used in selecting respondents and resource persons. The sample size was 302 households and 92 resource persons. Data collection was via structured and pre-tested questionnaires and interview guide. Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 were used for data entry and analysed from the questionnaires. Data from interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. The hypothesis was tested with multiple correlation statistics at 0.5 alpha levels. Findings revealed that highest numbers of livestock slaughtered in the Division is in Dschang with 49.3% cattle and up to 54.6% pig slaughtered annually. The lowest rates were recorded at Nkong-Ni with just 3.5% of cattle and 10.0% pig slaughtered. This increase production trend also reflects a rise in the quantity of meat consumed in the Menoua. The test of hypothesis revealed a calculated P-value of .000* indicating significant positive correlation between Meat production and consumption trends in the Menoua. Key issues surrounding this activity include amongst others the use of doubtful water sources and slaughtering in unhygienic environments. The paper strongly recommends that existing environmental protection regulations should be enforced to curb problems of meat production activities in Cameroon and the Menoua Division in particular to ensure sustainable supplies of wholesome meat to consumers.