Informal markets are the most important source of meat, milk and eggs for poor people in Africa and Asia and will continue to be so in the near future. Products are often sold at lower prices, but they also have other desired attributes including freshness, taste, availability of preferred local products, trust in vendors, credit and other services.

Many consumers (48-97%) care about safety and 20-40% will switch to alternative products during animal disease epidemics. Consumers are willing to pay 5-15% higher prices for safety-assured products, and demand for food increases with economic development, rising income, urbanisation, increased media coverage and education level. The graph below depicts some determinants of risk perception.

Non-action comes mainly from cultural values and lack of informed risk evidence. Reaction comes from good information, the related cost and socioeconomic incentives.

Action or no action motivation theory
© Bassirou Bonfoh and Gilbert Fokou

What are the main determinants of action or non-action for different types of food in your area?

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References

Grace, D. et al. (2014). Introduction, in: Roesel, K. and Grace, D. (Eds.). Food Safety and Informal Markets: Animal Products in Sub-Saharan Africa. Routledge, London, pp. 1-8.

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