Wild meat purchasing and consumption behaviours in three urban centres in the Republic of Guinea

West Africa is experiencing rapid population growth and urbanisation which is putting pressure on food systems, including wild-sourced animal meat. Urban demand for wild meat has been identified as a key factor driving wildlife hunting, yet has been little explored in West Africa. To understand the wild meat consumption and purchasing behaviours of urban residents and the sociodemographic factors that influence these behaviours, we conducted a questionnaire survey with 2,935 people in three urban centres (Conakry, Faranah, Nzérékoré) in the Republic of Guinea. Bars/restaurants were important eateries for wild meat, and markets were the most utilised points of sale, however we found differences between urban centres. The greatest wild meat purchasing frequency was among residents living in the smallest urban centre (Faranah) and the lowest in the coastal capital (Conakry). The minority non-Muslim population typically purchased wild meat more frequently than the Muslim population. We found no effect of gender or age on purchasing behaviours surrounding wild meat. Our results suggest that religious identity is an important consideration for initiatives seeking to reduce demand for wild meat, where deemed ethical and necessary, and we highlight the potential importance of engaging with religious leaders and teachers. Caution should be taken when suggesting alternatives to wild meat, which likely have environmental impacts of their own. Our work contributes to improved understanding of urban wild meat consumption patterns and is relevant to policymaking on the sustainable use of wildlife, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Key policy highlights

Urban residents often consumed wild meat in bars/restaurants. We recommend that these locations might be suitable venues for demand reduction campaigns and enforcement (where illegal), although alternative economic opportunities may be needed for those whose income is reliant on selling wild meat in bars.

Religious identity may influence the wild meat purchasing and consumption behaviours of urban residents. Where wild meat demand reduction is sought, possible initiatives could be co-developed with religious leaders and teachers to contextualise wild meat into existing teachings on environmental stewardship.

Domestic livestock rearing is often suggested as an alternative to wild meat; however, it is well documented to cause widespread habitat loss and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Management strategies need to ensure alternatives are sustainable and could include supporting urban households to establish mini-livestock opportunities and consider diverse sources of proteins.