Focused Ethnographic Study on Food Safety Values, Knowledge and Practices in Traditional Markets in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria


To examine perceptions, knowledge, and experience related to food safety among both consumers and traditional market vendors, EatSafe conducted a focused ethnographic study (FES) using a modular approach of qualitative methods: in-depth interviewing, semi-structured interviewing, cognitive mapping techniques (e.g., free listing and ranking), and market observations. It was conducted in two phases, with the results of the initial phase informing the focus of the second phase. It focused on three target markets in Birnin Kebbi (Central Market, Yaryara Market, and Tsohon Kasuwa Market) and on the following focus foods: rice, maize, cowpea, soybean, fish, green leafy vegetables, and beef. Data was collected in partnership with a local research partner, Ipsos Nigeria, and involved interviews with 16 consumers and 12 vendors plus market observations in Phase 1 and interviews with 31 consumers and 24 vendors in Phase 2.