Assessment of the levels of demand and consumer preferences for differently processed fish in Abakaliki Metropolis

The study assessed the relationship between demand and consumer preferences for differently processed (dried and iced) fish products in Abakaliki metropolis. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select the respondents (60 consumers and 20 marketers) who through questionnaire and interview schedule supplied the data used for the study. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics in the forms of frequency and percentages. Economic benefit was assessed using gross margin analysis. The results obtained showed that most of the consumers (56.67%) and marketers (65%) of fish products were married females who were within the age range of 35 and 38 years. Mean household size was 7 and 6 persons for consumers and marketers respectively while mean annual income was N105,080 and N183,000 respectively. Results of economic analysis showed that marketers who sold mangala (Bangi mangala) fish in dried form made a gross margin of N1,649,580 while those who sold in iced form made a gross margin of N505,830. In conclusion, selling fish in dried form was more profitable given a net return of N3.631 to every N1 invested as against N1.810 gotten for iced fish marketing. The recommendation was that mangala fish should be processed and sold in dried form to enhance profitability. Keywords: Assessment, fish, demand, preference, Abakaliki metropolis