Evaluation of consumer purchasing behaviour, perceptions and requirements of aquaculture products to improve growth of Sharptooth catfish small businesses in Phetwane and Kaapmuiden villages, South Africa

Aquaculture is becoming increasingly responsible for supplying fish for human consumption and has rapidly turned into one of the significant food production sectors globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate consumer perceptions of aquaculture products in order to improve growth of small businesses in Phetwane and Kaapmuiden communities, South Africa. Primary data were collected through face to face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) model on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to test significance of purchasing behaviour. The results showed that education level positively and significantly influenced the respondent's decision to buy catfish. Quality, red meat, poultry and fish negatively and significantly influenced the respondents' decision to purchase catfish. The Hosmer and Lemeshow test had a p-value less than 0.004, and it was statistically significant. This means that the model was appropriate from data, and goodness of fit measures may produce the same results constantly. Information gathered from this study was useful for guiding policy makers, economists and retailers to enhance aquaculture and develop sustainable small businesses.