Socio-economic aspects of bivalve collectors and consumers in Kalpitiya Lagoon of Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Bivalves are highly nutritious food commodities which are abundant in Kalpitiya lagoon, Sri Lanka. The present study aimed to collect information on the socio-economic aspects, attitudes, and perceptions of both bivalve collectors and consumers in the Kalpitiya lagoon area from August to October 2023 period. Information on demographic characters, attitudes & perceptions, was collected through semi structured questionnaires from thirty bivalve collectors and forty-nine bivalve consumers. Results revealed that the majority of the bivalve collectors belonged to the age class 50-60 years (30%) and children under the age of 10 (6.67%) were also involved in bivalve collection activities with their parents. Both males (53.33%) and females (46.67%) involved in bivalve collection. A higher bivalve collection was observed during the months of April to October. The majority (43.33%) of bivalve collectors spent nearly 2 hours collecting bivalves. Hand picking, foot method, diving and utilization of instruments were common to collect the bivalves. Majority of the collectors (33.33%) had an average daily income between 1000-2000 LKR. Majority of the consumers bought bivalves at the harvesting site from collectors (43.59%), and 30.61% of the bivalve consumers preferred to spend around 1000-2000 LKR to buy bivalves. In Kalpitiya Lagoon, the observed edible varieties of bivalves were cockles, mussels, oysters, and clams. The reasons cited for non-consumption included, unpleasant flavor (22.22%), unpleasant appearance and fear of food poisoning (18.52%), high price (14.81%), causing allergies (11.11%), previous food poisoning and other reasons (7.41%). Reasons for the bivalve consumption were low price (29.81%), taste (25%), nutritional value (19.23%), easy availability (18.27%), and no definitive reason (7.69%). Bivalve consumer attitudes and preferences towards different bivalve species differed considerably according to their demographic and socio-economic status.