Socio-Demographic Characteristics Of Dog Meat Consumers In Calabar Area Of Cross River State , Nigeria

Abstract

The need to understand consumer spread prompted this study, which had the general objective of understanding the socio-demographic characteristics of dog meat consumers Calabar area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Thirty two (32) dog meat joints, 16 in Calabar Municipality, and 16 in Calabar South Local Government Areas, were included in the survey. Thirty (30) respondents were purposively selected from each dog meat Joint, bringing the total number of respondents to 960.Data were analysed by simple frequency counts. Majority of the respondents (66%), fell within the age range of 31-50, majority (65%) were male, 30% were motorbike riders, 20% were civil service workers, 85% were orthodox Christians; Fifteen percent(15%) of the respondents had no formal education while 85% had different levels of education. Majority (65%) of the respondents were from Southern Cross River State. It was confirmed that dog meat is consumed with relish in Calabar. It is therefore suggested that efforts should be made to ensure that only healthy dogs are slaughtered as is the case with conventional meat species.

Keywords: Socio-demographic characteristics, dog meat joints

Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 90-94