Analysis of Food Consumption pattern in the Republic of Yemen

Abstract

This study analyzes the pattern of food consumption in the Republic of Yemen. It aims to describe this pattern and estimate the expenditure elasticity of demand for food commodities through consumption-income. Expenditure equations were estimated using the O.L.S. method from the household budget survey data for 1998. The results have showed that the pattern of food consumption in Yemen is characterized by a high proportion of expenditure on cereals, with a decrease in the average Yemeni per capita share of other food commodities compared to the global average. The results have showed that the expenditure elasticity of demand for all groups of food commodities were positive. It was found that each of the grains, vegetables, fish, dairy, oils, sugar, spices, tea and coffee is characterized by a low elasticity less than the correct one. On the other hand, it was found that items like meat, mineral water and beverages, legumes and fruits are characterized by a high spending elasticity. The study has found that spending on Qat and tobacco is also characterized by the fact that spending flexibility is greater than the correct one, meaning that the Yemeni consumer increases his spending on Qat by a greater rate than the increase rate at home.