Changing Food Consumption Patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa

摘要

Food consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa is shifting from traditional staples, such as coarse grains, roots and tubers, to non-traditional staples, such as rice and wheat. Local supply has not and probably cannot meet these changes in demand. These patterns contribute to other aspects of Africa's economic crisis. Income and urbanization are major determinants of these food consumption changes. Commercialization of subsistence agriculture and food aid from the industrialized countries are secondary determinants. Future trends in food consumption depend on the relative impact of these and other variables. Consumption patterns are not likely to adjust smoothly on their own to continued economic recession in the region. Policy measures may be needed to slow or reverse substitution toward imports, at least as long as current economic difficulties persist.