Behavior of household dry fish consumption in Trincomalee district

Abstract

Trincomalee district had abundant fish resources and favourable climatic condition for dry fish production. This study attempted to determine the status and the factors affecting consumption of different types of dry fish in Trincomalee district. The study was done in 3 Divisional secretariat divisions and 90 consumers were used in the study. Results of the study revealed that mean household income of consumers per month was Rs.27200.00. 30% of consumers preferred to eat Thunnus albacores because of its high fleshness. Khuro nemus was mostly consumed once in two weeks due to its higher taste than fresh fish. The average expenditure on purchasing Anchoviella sp. dry fish was Rs.462.50 per month per household. When compared the different type of dry fish, Anchoviella sp. was purchased in highest amount and it was 0.88kg per month. Multiple regression results revealed that family size, income and distance between market and home were significantly and positively influenced expenditure on Anchoviella sp. dry fish consumption. But for Amplicaster sp, only family size and distance significantly and positively influenced the expenditure. But for Khuro nemus species income and distance significantly and positively affected the expenditure while education level of the head of the household negatively affected the expenditure. Majority of the consumers stated price fluctuation as the major problem. Based on results it is expected that demand for dry fish will remain high in the long term and may even increase if product quality is improved. It is suggested that improvement of processing technology would benefit consumers.