Analysis of Income Distribution and Price Elasticity in the Demand for Animal Protein Foods: A Case Study of Gombi Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study evaluates household income and animal protein food intake in Gombi Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the income distribution of the respondents in the study area and to identify the constraints to animal protein foods demand in the study area. The data used for the study were collected from 120 respondents in the four districts of the Local Government Area with the aid of a structured questionnaire using stratified random sampling techniques. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics, average propensity to consume, Gini Coefficient and Lorenz curve. Income differences and consumption consequences are highlighted by the findings. About 44% of respondents earn below N40,000, 38% below N60,000, and 19% above N60,000. Low-income predominance shows challenges in meeting household demands, supporting Simon's [1] claim that spendable income affects consumption. Respondents earning between N20,000 and N60,000 had the highest average consumption propensity, supporting Jhingan's [2] finding that lower-income groups consume more. The study's Gini coefficient of 0.58 surpasses Dillon and Hardaker's [3] 0.35 threshold for equitable distribution, indicating substantial income inequality. This coefficient and the Lorenz curve's large departure from 45 degrees highlight household income inequality. The result of the income distribution shows that 40% of total income comes from earnings above N80,000, although just 13% of respondents. This disproportionate contribution shows how money affects animal protein food demand. Animal protein affordability was the biggest barrier for 80.75% of responders. According to the rule of demand, greater prices decrease demand [2]. Transportation and production costs make animal protein expensive. Major animal protein meals are sold mostly in urban markets, making them inaccessible to rural residents. Low-income earners also struggle to build sustainable animal protein sources like fish ponds and cattle rearing due to inadequate private and government credit. This study emphasizes the need to reduce income disparity and increase the availability of inexpensive animal protein meals to improve Gombi Local Government families' nutritional well-being.