Profitability and food safety measures adopted among dried fish traders Rivers State, Nigeria

Mercy Ebere Ndubueze-Ogaraku, Stephanie Osato Osayamwen, Oyoburuoma N. Ihunwo and Samuel U. Nwokugha

Nigerian Agricultural Policy Research Journal (NAPReJ), 2023, vol. 10, issue 01

Abstract: The fisheries sector provides both food and employment for millions of people globally. Consumption of fish products is making important contribution to human nutrition and well being. Fish trading, especially dried fish is a common business among people in Rivers State. However, safety of fish products sold in the markets is uncertain among consumers in the area due to varying environmental challenges. Therefore, the study assessed the profitability and food safety measures adopted among dried fish traders in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Sixty 60 respondents were randomly selected from the market in the study area. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and budgetary technique. Results indicated that majority of the respondents were females (83.3%) with a mean age of 45 years. The result further showed that net profit from the sales of small, medium and big sized fishes were ₦72,122.25, ₦52,254.50 and ₦91,865 per month respectively. Major safety measures adopted by the traders include; cleaning of display surface, drying using varying temperature, regular washing of utensils, sweeping of the surrounding, use of chemical substances etc. However, poor drying techniques, fluctuation in price, insect infestation among others are major challenges faced by the traders. Dried fish traders should be encouraged to adopt the use of hand gloves, sterilization of materials used in selling the product. Also, safe polythene bag should be used for packaging.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Agricultural and Food Policy; Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:naprej:343416

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.343416

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