Coping with food price hikes : strategies of the poor in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Date

2011-05

Journal Title

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Publisher

ARTNeT, United Nations ESCAP

Abstract

Cutting down consumption of non-food items, borrowing from informal markets, and increased dependence on friends and family are common strategies perceived to be useful by poor households as coping strategies for food price hikes. Reductions in frequency of consumption and portions of imported foods were noted particularly in urban and estate sectors, with substitution of local products such as jack fruit, bread fruit and yams. There is a need for well-articulated trade policies for imports of basic food items, on which poor households spend a larger share of their income.

Description

Keywords

FOOD ECONOMICS, FOOD SECURITY, PRICES, HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE, FOOD CONSUMPTION, ECONOMIC BEHAVIOUR, IMPORTS, RICE, WHEAT, SUPPLY AND DEMAND, TRADE POLICY, NUTRITIVE VALUE, MALNUTRITION, VULNERABLE GROUPS

Citation

DOI