The Most Preferred and Tasty Fish in Zambia: A Case Study of Three Copperbelt Province Markets

Abstract

A research was conducted in three districts (Luanshya, Ndola and Kitwe) of the mineral-rich Copperbelt Province, from 1st May to 30th June 2012 to determine the most preferred and tasty fish on the market through administration of questionnaires to randomly selected respondents. The study also examined the different types of fish found on the market at any given time. A total of 130 questionnaires were administered, 40 to traders and 30 to consumers in each of the three districts. Slightly over forty-seven per cent (47.50%) of the respondents indicated that the Bream, was most preferred fish species among consumers, while 30, 10 and 10% preferred Buka buka (Luciolates spp.), Kapenta (Limnothrissa spp.) and Mintesa (Mormyrids). A further 62.5% of the respondents felt that fresh fish was most preferred form on the market, as 62% of the consumers purchased more of fresh than dry fish. Over and above, 67.5% of the fish sold on the market had good taste, with the tasty preference for bream being 37%. Fish traders were also aware of the fact that stocking the right species preferred by customers helped to improve on the marketing strategy, thereby increasing on their net returns. It was further noted that 58% of the traders ventured into fish trading to earn a living, 32% due to lack of formal employment, while 5%, as a result of family tradition and another 5% considered it as good business.