Preliminary studies on the factors influencing consumers' preference for shrimp and prawn in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

A descriptive survey was conducted to investigate the factors influencing consumers’ preference for shrimp and prawn in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) consumers of fifty (50) each were randomly selected from three (3) major shrimp and prawn/fish markets from Biile, Obuama, and Tombia located at the shores of the river banks. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and mean statistics. Results of the socio-demographic characteristics of the consumers revealed that majority were males, married, literate within the age of 45years and above. They purchased the products from these stationed markets and mostly preferred eating the products while smoked. Further results revealed that consumers preferred shrimps and prawns compared to other animal protein sources due to their familiarity with shrimps and prawns and fair knowledge of their existence within their environment, which has prompted them to taste the products. Some of the factors that influenced consumers’ preference for shrimps and prawns are their availability, taste and nutrient composition and associated health benefits. Therefore, it is recommended as a major protein source food of good health benefit by consumers in the area.