Abstract
This study analyzed fish preferences and demand elasticities among households in Umuahia metropolis of Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the frequency and pattern of consumption of fish, estimated the factors that influence quantity of fish consumed and estimated own price, cross price and income elasticities for fish in the study area. Primary data were collected from a total of 80 fish consumers using simple random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Among the four functional forms (linear, exponential, double and semi-log) used for estimating the demand for fish among the consumers in the study area, the linear functional form was chosen as the lead equation based on econometric and statistical reasons such as the number of regression coefficients that are significant (the value of R2 (0.9732) and the significant level of F-ratio (157.86) which is significant at 1.0 alpha level (P<0.01)). It was also evident from the study that the higher the income level of the respondents, the higher the expenditure on fish and fish demand also increases as household size and level of education increases. The result of price and income elasticity of demand revealed that fish is relatively elastic to changes in income and price. The consumers were dominated by low to medium income earners majorly civil servants who had formal education. Since most consumers preferred the commodity (fish), the productivity and availability should be ensured to guarantee food security.