The local contexts of meat consumption: analyzing meatification in Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although food consumption habits across the globe have taken different paths, agri-food scholars are now pointing to a narrowing of choices on a global scale due to globalization. Adopting a food regime theory framework that is tightly connected to globalization theory, several thematic frameworks are used to provide a time-place-actor analysis of food consumption habits, identifying global trends as well as the factors driving those trends. This article employs meatification as a thematic framework for analyzing trends in meat consumption in the context of the third food regime. It argues that while global actors and factor should be acknowledged, in certain local contexts, they can be influenced, shaped or even constrained by local currents. Therefore, it opens a conversation about the danger of discounting or ignoring local currents when applying these thematic frames in food regime discourse. It shows that while meatification is taking place, in Nigeria, unlike in many other parts of the global south, the actors are not fast-food restaurants and supermarket, but bukaterias and open stall meat sellers in the local markets.