FROM FARM TO FORK: UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ AWARENESS TOWARDS ANIMAL WELFARE AND ETHICAL FOOD CHOICES IN NORTHERN CYPRUS - Chibueze John-Paul Josephat; Hüseyin Çelik; Dilek Arsoy (Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 2026)
This study investigates the relationship between animal production practices, animal welfare, food safety and security, and consumer awareness among university students in Northern Cyprus. A structured questionnaire was administered to 200 students from health-related faculties, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of animal welfare, consumption patterns, and perceptions of alternative protein sources. Results revealed that 87.9% of students regularly consumed animal-based products, with poultry and eggs as the most preferred, while internal organs were the least consumed. Religious and cultural influences strongly shaped dietary habits, particularly regarding low pork consumption (35.5%) among students. Awareness of animal welfare issues was moderate; only 1.9% cited poor welfare as a reason for avoiding animal products, suggesting limited integration of ethical concerns into actual food choices. A clear gender effect was observed, with female students expressing greater empathy for animals and a higher willingness to pay for welfare-certified products. Despite growing recognition of sustainability, willingness to pay premiums for animal welfare logos was modest, reflecting the persistent attitude–behavior gap. Moreover, skepticism toward labeling credibility undermines its potential impact on purchasing behavior. Resistance to alternative proteins, including artificial and plant-based meat, was notable, with most respondents unwilling to substitute them for conventional animal products even at price parity. These findings highlight the complexity of ethical food decision-making, shaped by socio-demographic, cultural, and economic factors. The study underscores the need for enhanced consumer education, stronger regulatory frameworks for labeling, and affordable access to welfare-friendly and sustainable foods to bridge the gap between ethical attitudes and purchasing behavior.
Keywords: journal article; Animal welfare; Ethical food choices; Socio-demographic factors; University students; Northern Cyprus