Consumption of Bushmeat after the Covid-19: Implications for Food Security in Ghana

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on various aspects of life, including food consumption. In Ghana, bushmeat has traditionally been an important source of protein and income for many households. However, the pandemic has influenced the dynamics of bushmeat consumption, raising questions about its implications for food security. This study aimed to assess the consumption of bushmeat after the COVID-19 and its implications for food security in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Bono-East regions of Ghana. This explored the diversity of bushmeat consumed after the COVID-19 and analyzed the factors influencing consumer preferences for different types of bushmeat. Additionally, the study examined the implications of consumer perceptions of bushmeat on food security. Finally, the study identified and ranked the constraints faced by bushmeat consumers in the post-COVID-19 period. Descriptive statistics, particularly a bar chart, were used to analyze the diversity of bushmeat consumed. A Multinomial Logistic Regression Model was used to investigate the factors influencing consumer preferences for different types of bushmeat. For the analysis of consumer perceptions on food security, the Structural Equation Model was employed. Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance (W) was used to examine the level of agreement between respondents’ ranking of identified constraints. Data was collected from three hundred (300) bushmeat consumers located in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Bono-East regions. The statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 17. The findings reveals that the three most consumed types of bushmeat across the study area are grasscutter, rat, and antelope, which may be attributed to their availability and taste preference. Results from the multinomial logistic regression shows that gender, income, region, health risk, and price of bushmeat are key factors influencing consumer preferences for different types of bushmeat. The results also reveal that both the variety and quantity of bushmeat available positively influence its accessibility, with a significant level of 1%. The taste and nutritional value of bushmeat significantly enhance its utilization, both at the 1% level. In contrast, high prices and low income significantly reduce its accessibility, at the 1% and 5% levels, respectively. Also, access to information and community advocacy also had a negative influence on agency. Additionally, factors such as taste distortion, illegal hunting, public health concerns, and economic instability negatively influenced the stability and sustainability of bushmeat, all at 1% significant level. The four most prevalent constraints among respondents in the study area, in order of magnitude, are high price for the bushmeat, income, health risk of zoonotic diseases, distance of bushmeat sales outlets, and environmental concerns. To improve accessibility, bushmeat suppliers should consider selling their bushmeat in smaller, more affordable portions. This could make bushmeat accessible to a broader range of consumers, including those with lower income. By offering various portion sizes, bushmeat traders could cater to diverse consumer preferences and budget thereby potentially increasing their customer base and sales.