ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the economic analysis of food safety among pork marketers in Ebonyi State. Primary data were collected from 80 poultry farmers selected through multi-stage random sampling technique using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, farm budgetary technique, benefit cost analysis and ordinary least square regression analysis was used to analyze the data and determine the economic cost of food safety and production of pork meat. Three important findings emerged; first, pork marketing in Ebonyi state is dominated by highly educated youths, a positive sign for food safety and future pork meat activities. Second, pork production is highly profitable in Ebonyi state; however, food safety contributed the highest economic cost in the area of study. Thirdly, the costs of inputs as well as safety as revealed by the regression analysis were high and increasing with the size of production thereby depriving the marketers the full benefit of their efforts.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Pig is one of the domestic animals found in Nigeria and most parts of West Africa. Pigs are reared for the production of meat called pork and fat called lard. The pig produces litters twice a year. One litter or one birth give between eight (8) and sixteen (16) piglets. They also eat anything that is edible when given. Although, the rearing of pig and its consumption is not popular in Moslems areas in Nigeria because of the religion. Some people look at pigs as dirty animal usually found in muddy water, the meat is also believed to be responsible for the carrying of tapeworm, to human beings. This is probably responsible for some people prefer meat from other animal to pig meat. The breeds of pigs now reared in Nigeria include those that are native to Nigeria and the one brought from other countries such as Britain and United States of America.
Local West Africa Dwarf Pig: This breed are kept by the local farmers in villages and towns in southern parts of Nigeria. It is small in size and usually black or brown in colour. It lives in dirty environment, and eats anything that comes it way. The breed is a native to West Africa.