Browsing by Author "Ameciti, Thomas Vuzi"

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    Assessing consumer preference for different fish types in Soroti city east, Aloet ward.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Ameciti, Thomas Vuzi
    Fish is a vital source of animal protein and contributes significantly to household nutrition, food security and income in Uganda. However, fish demand varies by type’s preference, product form and socioeconomic characteristics of consumers. This study assessed consumer demand for fish types and fish products in Aloet Ward, Soroti City East. The specific objectives were to determine the preferred fish types (Tilapia, Nile Perch, African Catfish and Silver Fish) and product forms; to examine socioeconomic factors influencing quantity of fish purchased and to examine willingness to pay (WTP) for high quality and value-added fish products. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from 201 fish consumers using structured questionnaire through face to face interviews and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression. Results showed Tilapia was the most preferred types 57.7% followed by, Nile Perch 25.4%, Silver fish (Mukene) with 10.4% and African Catfish 6.5%. Fresh fish was the most preferred form 46.3%, followed by smoked fish 38.3%, fried fish 9.5%, and dried fish with 6.0%. Acceptance of value-added products was low with 75.6% reporting no preference, smoked fish at 17.4%, fish fillet at 7.0% and fish powder at 0%. Most consumers purchased low volumes of ≤1 kg per week (93.0%) with average weekly expenditure of UGX 13,696.52, Median = 12,000. The multinomial logistic model had strong explanatory power (Nagelkerke R² = 0.753). Significant predictors of purchasing 2 kg and above were disposable income (p=0.011) and tertiary education (p=0.010, Exp (B) =17.29). Household size, occupation and food expenditure were not significant. WTP for high-quality fish (premium of UGX 2,000-3,000) was significantly associated with income (χ²=35.214, p<0.001). Occupation was not associated with WTP for value-added fish (p=0.929) and age was not associated with WTP for high-quality fish (p=0.413). The study concludes that demand in Aloet Ward is type-specific and form-specific, dominated by Tilapia and fresh fish, low-volume, and driven by income and education.