Impact of Wheat Price Policy Change on Nutritional Status in Egypt

摘要

The authors compared energy and protein consumption among various income classes in rural and urban areas of Egypt. The results indicate that adequate calories are provided at all income levels but inequalities exist in food distribution between rural and urban areas and among income classes. About two-thirds of Egypt's wheat, the country's basic food, is imported and the price is heavily subsidized by the Government. The analysis shows that removing the wheat price subsidy would create a large nutritional sacrifice for the poor, especially in rural areas. The authors also examined alternative policies for improving nutritional status and reducing Government subsidy costs.