CONSUMER PREFERENCE AND SPATIAL–TEMPORAL PRICE VARIABILITY OF BEEF IN THE WESTERN ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE,
Publication Type: Journal Article.
Publication Year: 2026
Author(s): Audu, M., Ochi, J.E. and Jibril, S.A.
Journal Name: (IJAEMD)
ABSTRACT
Background: Beef is the single most important source of animal protein for Nigerian consumers, yet demand faces constraints from price volatility, insecurity, and household socioeconomic factors. Objective: This study analyzed consumer preferences and temporal price variability of beef in the Western Zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Methods: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 341 households, of which 335 provided usable data. Primary data were collected via structured questionnaires. Secondary data on wholesale monthly beef prices (2015–2017) were obtained from the Agricultural Development Programme. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Hays and McCoy (1977) spatial price model.
Results: The majority (86.9%) of households were male-headed, with a mean age of 43 years and a mean household size of 9 members. Most respondents (67.5%) expressed a high preference for beef, followed by eggs (35.2%) and fish (26.3%). Frequent weekly beef consumption was reported by 69.9% of households. Price trend analysis revealed fluctuations, with a maximum price of ₦1,800/kg (Birshi market) and a minimum of ₦1,200/kg. Prices moved together across rural and urban markets, suggesting market integration.
Conclusion: Beef is the most preferred animal protein in the study area, but prices exhibit notable temporal variability. The co-movement of prices indicates potential for market integration.
Keywords: Beef demand, consumer preference, price variability, spatial market integration, Bauchi State, Nigeria.