Spatial fish consumption paradigms across Kerala

Abstract

The present paper attempts to assess the spatial pattern of fish consumption and its attributes in Kerala. The study was conducted across different district locales in Kerala viz., urban coastal (Trivandrum), rural coastal (Alappuzha), noncoastal urban (Kottayam) and noncoastal rural (Palakkad) districts. A total of 1440 consumption households were covered for the study. The consumer profiles revealed that 57% of respondents were of middle age group (35-55 years) with collegiate education (27%). More than 40% consume fish on a daily basis. The result revealed that the fish consumption increased over the years on account of better fish availability (62%) accessibility (52%) and affordability (48%). The fish accessibility was less than one km as opined by 52% of consumers. The consumption attributes indicated that sardine was the most preferred species of fish followed by mackerel and anchovies. The constraints in fish consumption as perceived by the consumers induced that from lack of fresh fish, to high price, wide fluctuations in price, irregular supply and lack of hygiene in purchase sources were limiting factors in augmenting fish consumption. Different statistical and econometric tools such as conjoint analysis, preference assessment index and discriminant analysis have been deployed for analyzing the data.