Bushmeat consumption frequency and preferences among rural households in a West African savanna landscape: Implications for food security and conservation

Abstract The drivers of consumer demand for bushmeat are relatively well studied in tropical forest systems, but much less so in savanna areas. This is important because differing ecological and socio‐economic conditions lead to different factors affecting the relationship between local communities and their natural resources. Northern Ghana is an understudied savanna area, with a recognized cross‐border and long‐distant bushmeat trade. Understanding the role of bushmeat in diets is crucial for food security and conservation policies in the region. We surveyed 471 households in two villages in the Upper East region of Ghana, using questionnaires and focus groups, to examine consumer preferences for bushmeat and the socio‐economic factors influencing its consumption. Fourteen bushmeat species were identified as preferred and/or consumed, with the grey duiker ( Sylvicapra grimmia ) and African savanna hare ( Lepus victoriae ) being the most preferred, although preferences differed by village. The prevalence of smaller, resilient species in preference suggests a depletion of the larger bodied mammals typically found in pristine savanna ecosystems. Bushmeat preference was higher in larger, male‐headed households, those engaged in hunting and in Doninga village, where bushmeat and fish were equally preferred. While bushmeat was mainly preferred for its taste, it was eaten irregularly because of availability and affordability. Domestic meat followed a similar pattern, although Kayoro villagers ate it more often. These village‐level differences may relate to differences in access to slightly more wildlife‐rich Protected Areas. Smoked fish was the most preferred protein source, with respondents indicating that small quantities of it can be bought if money is tight, suggesting food insecurity limits access to animal protein. Our findings depict a landscape of depleted wildlife resources and constrained access to animal protein, where bushmeat is sold rather than consumed locally. Policy efforts should prioritize improving access to affordable, sustainable protein sources like fish, to support food security. Better understanding is needed of the ecological impacts of local bushmeat consumption and its role in livelihoods and food security. This could support the design of conservation and development interventions in this resource‐poor area, for a more sustainable and equitable use of natural resources. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.