AN ECONOMIC EXAMINATION OF THE FOOD SAFETY PRACTISES WITHIN THE PORK MARKETING INDUSTRY IN AKWA-IBOM STATE

ABSTRACTl: The pig is a commonly encountered domesticated animal that may be found in Nigeria as well as various regions around West Africa.  Pigs are commonly raised for the purpose of producing meat, known as pork, as well as fat, referred to as lard.  The pig is capable of producing litters on a biannual basis.  A single litter or birth typically yields a range of eight (8) to sixteen (16) piglets.  In addition, they consume whatever edible substance provided to them. The practise of pig farming and consumption is not widely embraced in Muslim regions of Nigeria due to religious beliefs.  Pigs are commonly perceived by certain individuals as unclean creatures often found in muddy environments, and their meat is also considered to be associated with the transmission of tapeworms to humans.  This factor likely contributes to individuals' preference for meat sourced from animals other than pigs. The current pig breeds being raised in Nigeria consist of both indigenous varieties native to Nigeria, as well as those imported from other nations such as Britain and the United States of America. The primary objective of this study was to conduct an economic analysis of food safety within the pork marketing sector, with a specific focus on the case study of Akwa-Ibom State. The study was primarily focused on analysing the socio-economic features of pork marketers in the study region. Additionally, it aimed to identify the safety practises implemented by pork sellers to ensure consumer safety. Furthermore, the study aimed to estimate the factors that determine consumer safety regarding hog meat in the study area. The research study employed a survey research design and employed a random sampling method to recruit participants for the investigation. A total of 65 replies were obtained and validated from the participants who were recruited in the study. It is important to note that all respondents in the study were pork marketers specifically located in Akwa-Ibom State.