May 12th, 2015
Trends and determinants of food consumption patterns in West Africa
Published by Me-Nsope, Nathalie Mongue,
This dissertation by Me-Nsope, Nathalie Mongue examines food consumption patterns in the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS). The study provides detailed information on food demand parameters, which are critical to improving policymakers’ ability to make sound food policy decisions. The findings present a scope to encourage ongoing diversification of staple food sources to give consumers more opportunity for substitution and choice. Price transmission across cereals suggests a need for a cereals policy rather than just, for example, a rice policy. The results suggest strong future growth in demand (pressure on prices if supply is not increased), and a need to focus on driving down unit costs throughout the food system.
2014