Intl. J. of Mol. Evol. and Biodivers. 2012, Vol. 2, No.2, 8-12
http://ijmeb.sophiapublisher.com
8
Research Report Open Access
Socio-economic Determinant of the Consumption of Wild Birds and Reptiles in
Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
O.O. Oduntan
1
,
D.O. Ogunyode
2
,
S.O. Ojo
2
,
S.A. Onadeko
1
1.
Department of Forestry & Wildlife Mgt, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
2.
Department of Wildlife & Ecotourism Mgt, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Corresponding author email:
oladapo.oduntan@yahoo.com
;
Authors
International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2012, Vol.2, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2012.02.0002
Received: 05 Nov., 2011
Accepted: 08 Nov, 2011
Published: 07 Dec, 2011
© 2012 Oduntan et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Preferred citation for this article:
Oduntan et al., 2012, Socio-economic Determinant of the Consumption of Wild Birds and Reptiles in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, International Journal of
Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, Vol.2, No.2, 8~12 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2012.02.0002)
Abstract
This study investigated socio-economic factors of human population in Abeokuta metropolis of Ogun State that
contribute to the consumption of wild birds and reptiles. Primary data were collected through the administration of structured
questionnaires to garner information from consumers of Wild birds and Reptiles in the study area. Fifty (50) questionnaires were
randomly administered in each of the four markets that were prominent in the sales of wild birds and reptiles for consumption within
the study area. Data were analyzed using percentages; while regression analysis was also used to determine the socio-economic
factors that contribute to the consumption of wild birds and reptiles in Abeokuta metropolis. Results show that Age of respondents
(
p<0.05; t=2.564) is the only socio factor that contribute significantly to the consumption of wild birds and reptiles in the study area.
Policy recommendations were made based on the outcome of the findings.
Keywords
Wildlife; Bush meat; Preference; Demographic; Status
Introduction
The increase in human population in Nigeria has
influenced the demand for food products of both
plants and animals origin (Pomeroy and Ssekabiira,
1990).
In order to cope with this increase in
population, efforts are now being geared towards the
evolution of more appropriate and sustainable system
of livestock production. Bush meat such as monitor
lizard and guinea fowl have not been fully exploited
and may be a future source of protein to meet this
increase in protein demand, at least in the tropics.
Furthermore, the use of wildlife in tropical areas
worldwide has important livelihood aspects and serves
multiple roles. Wildlife products are often major items
of consumption or display and have high medicinal
and spiritual values in many human cultures (Scoones
et al., 1992). The meat of wild animals has long been a
part of the staple diet of forest dwelling peoples.
Bushmeat remains a primary source of animal protein
for the majority of forest families (Wilkie et al., 2005),
and can also constitute a significant source of revenue
(
Milner-Gulland and Bennett, 2003); particularly
where the trade is driven by increased bushmeat
consumption in urban areas.
Previous reports of several scholars indicated that
wildlife is most highly valued as food. Ajayi (1971)
estimates that 80% of the people in Southern regions
consume bushmeat and that bushmeat supplies an
average 20% of the animal protein consumed. The
protein content of bushmeat ranges between
89%
~90%. Protein has been discovered to be a good
requirement for normal growth and repair of body
tissues. Protein is the principal constituent of the
organ and soft structures of human body and as a
result protein is important in the nutrition of man
(
Cabbinnah, 1992). Akande (1979, unpublished data)
found that 93% of those surveyed in the southwest
like bush fowl (francolins). In another study of bush
fowl consumption, Ayanda and Ayeni (1980) asserts
that 79% of the people that were interviewed
consumed guinea fowl. He estimates that there are 44
million semi-domesticated guinea fowl in Nigeria.