Abstract:
The importance of animal protein sources in supplying the human body with vital
amino acids cannot be overstated. Food consumption patterns are directly
impacted by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Hence, the main objective of this
study was to identify the impact of the economic crisis on urban household animal
protein intake in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Data for this study was obtained
from a household survey conducted by randomly selected 150 urban households
in the Colombo district during the month of July 2023. The data analysis was
done using both descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis. The results
revealed that expenditures for animal protein increased by 30% during the crisis
period. Further, the results revealed that the economic crisis has negatively
affected animal protein consumption, leading to a 25% reduction in the quantity
of animal protein intake by the households compared to the consumption of
animal protein quantity during the pre-economic crisis period. Based on the
multiple regression results, household income and price were identified as the
main key factors influencing the intake of animal protein during the crisis period.
Further, there is a rise in the frequency of dried fish purchases during the
economic crisis. More than 88% of households have made moves to alternatives
to animal proteins such as soya meat and mushrooms. The study suggests it is
crucial to facilitate diversification the income generation activities through skills
and knowledge development of urban households, imposing price control
measures on key protein sources, and promoting awareness about alternative
protein source patterns for improving nutritional resilience during economic
crisis.
