An analysis of the demand for quails in Zambia's Lusaka District
Date
2012
Authors
Moonga, Thomas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the level of consumption and analyze the factors responsible for the
demand of Quail meat in Lusaka district. The demand for quails in Lusaka was investigated
through interviews with 93 selected quail consumers by using structured questionnaires The
respondent households consisted of 1 - 11 members (mean value = 4.68), with an average
monthly income of K3.71 million per household. The consumption of quails varied by number
of users and quantity consumed. On an average, a household consumed 2.79 kg of quail meat per
month.
The results of the analysis showed that low demand for quails is caused by the prices that are
relatively high and the general lack of information about quails and there benefits. The
econometrically estimated demand fiction suggests that the household income, household size,
perception on price, and household food expense per month positively affects the demand for
quail while medium and high density have a negative effect and all these effects are statistically
significant at 5% level of significance. The effects of education level, price of quails, price of
substitutes and taste did not turn out to be statistically significant. The demand was found to be
price, income and cross price inelastic. This suggest that increase in own - Price, household
income and price of substitutes cause less-than-proportionate increase in demand.
In view of the findings, an improvement in the sensitization of people about quails is
recommended. This could be achieved through advertising and promotion. Advertising and
promotions will increase the market share and would be effective in recruiting more people as
quail consumers. Secondly, relevant authorities should put in place policies that would raise
people's buying power such as reducing income taxes, raising the minimum wage, and also
raising wages and salaries. This in turn would stimulate people to demand more quails. Finally, it
is also recommended that the study be replicated in other parts of Lusaka and other provinces of
Zambia so that results can be generalized.
Description
Student Project Report
Keywords
Quails-Zambia , Poultry Products-Consumption-Zambia