MEAT PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

This study examines meat production and its consumption in the Wa Municipality of Ghana. A total of 80 consumers and 30 butchers were randomly sampled in four communities (Nayiri, Jujeidayiri, Kabanye and Doori) and an abattoir, respectively in the Municipality. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to both consumers and butchers. Majority of the consumers surveyed were females (57.5%) and literate (66.3%). Also majority of the consumers were Muslims (65%), while 35% were Christians; thus none was a traditionalist. At the abattoir all the butchers were males and majority were Muslims (79.3%), 17.2% were Christians and 3.4% were traditionalists. The results showed that beef was the most preferred type of meat, followed by chicken, chevon (goat meat), mutton, pork and guinea fowl. Majority of the consumers (78.8%) buy and consume meat daily. Most consumers (60%) in the Municipality obtained their meat from the market referred to as the butcher. The factors which mostly influence the consumption of meat are taste, price, availability, tradition and nutrition. Taste was the most influencing factor for the choice of meat in Wa Municipality. Though meat produce in Wa Municipality is usually inspected by responsible authority from the Wa Municipal Assembly, most of the consumers rated the local meat as unhygienic.