KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND LEVEL OF CONSUMPTION OF GRASSCUTTER INTESTINAL DIGESTA

Abstract

Wildlife has been an important protein source for many West African countries over centuries. Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) are commonly hunted for food in Africa, where they serve as the most important bush meat species in terms of both volume of trade and preference. Grasscutter intestinal digesta is known to be consumed by Ghanaians especially among the Akans. However, there is limited information on consumption level, perception and health benefits associated wit its consumption. The main objective of the study was to determine consumer knowledge and perception on the consumption of grasscutter intestinal digesta. This study employed quantitative method and descriptive research approach which involved questionnaire and personal interview with respondents. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 209 respondent for the survey. Data from the survey was analysed using SPSS version 20, and the results showed that 67.94% of the respondents were males. A little above half [122(58.37%)] of the respondents admitted to consuming intestinal digesta of grasscutter. The majority of respondents [177(84.69%)] believe grasscutter intestinal digesta has no health benefits. A greater portion of the participants believe that grasscutter intestinal digesta is safe for consumption [120(57.42%)] and many [148(70.81%)] also agree it gives good taste and aroma to food. There was a progressive increase in consumers of grasscutter intestinal digesta with advancing age and this was statistically significant (p<0.001). Females [91(64.08%); p<0.001], the employed [99(62.66%); p=0.03] and those aware of grasscutter intestinal digesta [115(64.61%); p<0.001] were more likely to consume grasscutter intestinal digesta than those who will not consume it. Determination of the nutritional and microbial quality should form the focus of future research for grasscutter intestinal digesta. Also, further work should be done on how to process grasscutter intestinal digesta for easy handling and better storage life since more than half of the people consume it.