Contribution of Bearded worm goby ( Pseudapocryptes elongatus) to food & nutrition security at household level.

Abstract:

Malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge in Bangladesh, disproportionately affecting women and vulnerable groups in coastal regions. Against this backdrop, Chewa fish (Pseudapocryptes elongatus) an underutilized, low-cost estuarine species offers promising potential to improve household nutrition. This study investigates the consumption patterns, nutritional contribution, and socioeconomic determinants of Chewa fish intake among households in the coastal areas of Noakhali district. Primary data were collected from 90 households across three upazilas using a semi-structured questionnaire. Consumption data were supplemented with 24-hour dietary recall and Likert scale assessments of consumer perceptions on taste, price, availability, and nutrition. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and visualization techniques (e.g., box plots, violin plots, word clouds, and radar charts) were employed to analyze intra-household distribution and income-based consumption trends. Results show that Chewa accounts for approximately 34% of weekly household fish intake, with housewives and household heads receiving the highest protein contributions (around 20g/day). Likert-based analysis revealed strong preferences for Chewa’s taste, affordability, and nutritional value, despite concerns about seasonal scarcity. Correlation analysis demonstrated that Chewa consumption was positively associated with age and income, particularly for adults, while adolescent girls exhibited lower intake levels highlighting underlying gender-based disparities in food allocation. The “best buy” analysis identified Chewa as the most affordable protein source among commonly consumed species, offering 15.1g of protein per 100g at roughly one-third the cost of Tilapia and Pungus..Chewa fish represents a cost-effective and culturally accepted intervention to address protein-energy malnutrition in coastal Bangladesh. Its inclusion in food-based public health strategies could significantly benefit nutritionally at-risk populations. Future policies should aim to promote sustainable harvesting, improve availability, and increase awareness of Chewa’s nutritional value.