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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Food preferences and ethnicity: policy implications for Senegal
Authors:Jolly, C.M.ISNI
Diop, Oumar
Year:1991
Periodical:Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing
Volume:3
Issue:3
Pages:83-102
Language:English
Geographic term:Senegal
Subjects:ethnicity
food policy
food
Abstract:Policies to curb food imports in food deficit Sahelian countries have been unsuccessful. Sahelian countries are ethnically diverse and each group has demonstrated strong preferences for cereals and other foods. Yet, research on the consequences of expressed food preferences on food production, consumption, and importation is limited. In this paper, the effects of ethnic identity and income class on food consumption choices in the Casamance, Senegal, are investigated. Field research was carried out from 1983 to 1985. The results show that all consumers use the same criteria in evaluating a given set of foods irrespective of ethnic group, or income class. Ethnic groups and income classes choose a given food basket, which maximizes their welfare, if the same criteria are used in making their food choices. Rice has the most attributes that consumers desire. In second place is millet. Policies to attain food self-sufficiency will have to include an increase in production of rice, or altering some of the characteristics of the locally produced grains, such as millet and sorghum, to enhance consumers' acceptance.
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