Abstract

Author:
Fonou Tadiesse Lavoisier, Tchowan Guy Merlin, Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani, Deutcheu Nienga Sorelle, Foda Fopa Constant, Kenfack Augustave

Doi: 10.26480/jtwe.01.2024.52.55

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) is highly exploited as an alternative meat by many people. However, in some localities, its consumption is subject to traditional and religious taboos. The present study aimed to identify factors affecting rat meat consumption in Bertoua. For that purpose, 150 individuals were surveyed using a semistructured survey and a direct interview. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics and chi-square test via SPSS 20.0 software. The results showed that our targeted population was relatively young (26–35 years), married (61.33%), Christian (81%), and had a monthly income ranging between 100,000 and 200,000 FCFA. Ninety-two percent of Bertoua citizens consume rat meat, and fresh meat is more appreciated (44%) than smoked (37%) or salted (11%). The price of rat meat ranges from 1500 to 2500 FCFA, and restaurant owners constitute the main buyer (38%). More than half of the rat meat sold (56%) comes from hunters. Apart from religion affiliation, education level and vocation, which significantly (p<0.05) influenced rat meat consumption, the other characteristics (sex, age and monthly income) had no effect. Regarding the possibility of domesticating this animal for a sustainable supply, 66.7% of the respondents agreed with this idea, but Muslims (33.30%) were unfavorable. In conclusion, the majority of rat meat consumed in Bertoua is obtained through hunting, and consumption patterns vary depending on religion affiliation, educational level and vocation. For people approving the Gambia rat domestication project, we recommend training them on the appropriate method and techniques for rearing Gambia rats in captivity.