HOUSEHOLD PROTEIN INTAKE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PROTEIN SOURCES IN THE MARKETS OF SOUTHERN GHANA: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

Abstract

This paper describes protein intake in the forest areas of southern Ghana. The paper is based on research conducted at markets and observation of meals at households. The protein sources have changed due to the natural and economical environment in the area. Primary protein sources are wild animals, fish, livestock, and beans. Deforestation due to cacao field expansion and some other reasons decreased the number of animals hunted in the forest. We studied what protein sources are distributed at markets, where they are produced (local or outside production), which protein sources households consume, how they are cooked, and cultural values. Results indicate that fish is a primary protein source. Frozen, sun-dried, smoked, and salted marine and freshwater fish are widely distributed, depending on the development of truck transportation. Therefore, it seems that the self-sufficiency of protein sources in local areas has decreased. Analyzing the case of Ghana is important in terms of considering the future of central Africa’s forest areas.