Food demand elasticities in Ethiopia: Estimates using household income consumption expenditure (HICE) survey data

How households adjust their consumption in response to changes in prices and income is crucial determinant of the effects of various shocks to market prices and commodity supplies. These adjustments in demand are particularly significant in Ethiopia, where many households consume inadequate quantities of calories, protein and other nutrients. Household consumption behaviour in the country is also rather complex. Regional consumption patterns differ considerably with no single staple dominating. Instead, four different cereals (teff, wheat, maize and sorghum) are major staples in parts of the country and even within most regions, two or more food staples account for relatively large shares of total calories and food expenditures1.