Research Reports (2003): Economic Studies, Vol - XX

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/13650

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Patterns and trends in food consumption in poor urban and rural households in Bangladesh: cluster analysis of household survey data
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2003-09) Halder, Shantana R; Urey, Ian
Objectives: To identify groups within rural and urban Bangladesh demonstrating similar socio-economic characteristics and food consumption patterns. Design: A household survey was conducted in a variety of locations m Dhaka Division to collect information from rural, and urban household. Cluster analysis was then used to group the households. Setting: Dhaka Division Results: The analysis highlighted 5 clusters. Cluster I is categorised as an urban lifestyle group, with a mixed poverty profile and a transforming consumption pattern. Cluster 2 is the rural rich also experiencing a transforming consumption pattern. Cluster 3 IS the poor with a traditional consumption pattern that appears to be deteriorating in balance. Cluster 6 is the rural less poor group with a traditional consumption pattern. Cluster 5 is comprised of poor female-headed households with a traditional consumption pattern, excluded by poverty and status from any dietary transition. Conclusions: Household exhibiting a transition in food consumption towards market sourced, packaged, and new food items tend to be either urban in nature or from households classified as rich/surplus. Not only is the diet of the poor not diversifying into these "new food items" but also the diversity of food from traditional sources is declining, with an increased reliance on rice and very low expenditure on high protein food items. There is a distinct dietary pattern for slum dwellers, but female-headed households do share this pattern and appear to be excluded from any transition by poverty and cultural barriers.
Patterns and trends in food consumption in poor urban and rural households in Bangladesh: major food sector studies
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2003-09)
This paper examines six major food sectors in Bangladesh namely rice, wheat, fishery, poultry, dairy, and fruits and vegetables, concentrating on production and consumption changes with evidence from the BRAC/Imperial household survey, together with insights from focus group discussions. The nature of the marketing and processing chains are also discussed together with key issues affecting the sectors. The food sector study results indicate a growing divide between the consumption patterns of the deficit group and the surplus group. The contrast is most marked between the rich and poor living in urban areas and upazila centres. Those living in these areas are more market dependent and vulnerable to price fluctuations. The diet of the poor seems to be contracting in diversity, with rice increasingly dominating consumption, though in urban areas there is some substitution with wheat based products for convenience and possibly as a cheaper food source, as no fuel expense is entailed. All the high protein items, especially animal products are beyond the means of the poor for consumption on a regular basis, as demand from the growing urban population draws produce into the market where the price is too high for the poor. For many, vegetables appear to be the only remaining high protein food item. The urban poor appear to be the most vulnerable without any access to home production. For the surplus groups living close to centres and with good market access, dietary diversity and the quality of produce consumed appear to be improving. Consumption of high protein items is increasing as markets are facilitating greater availability in urban areas. Also consumption of processed, packaged and branded items is becoming a regular feature of this group, and there is evidence of a dispersion of this trend into more remote and less rich/surplus areas.
Changing food consumption patterns: implications for nutrition and livelihoods
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2003-09) Halder, Shantana R; Urey, Ian
This report presents a review results on the trends and patterns in food intake and nutritional status of the poor rural and urban households of Bangladesh during the period 1991-2000. It then looks at the socio-economic changes that have occurred during the last decade that have affected the food consumption pattern and the development of the food system. The 1990s was marked by a substantial increase in food production, however, the country is yet to achieve desired nutritional levels. The 1990s also saw substantial economic growth, with an associated decline in the incidence of both absolute poverty and extreme poverty. Parallel with food production and economic growth, poverty reduction, Bangladesh achieved notable reductions in child malnutrition rates during the nineties although percentage of malnourished children of the poor families was over 60%. Thus poor households, rural and urban alike, did not benefit proportionately from increased food production and the economic growth that the country achieved during the nineties. In 2000 the food intake of the poor was as low and imbalanced as it was in 1991. With the changes in food production and consumption, the total food system in Bangladesh is also changing. The growth of urban middle-income groups due to economic growth has created the demand for higher value products such as livestock products, fruits and vegetables. Increasing urbanisation and industrialisation has also encouraged market expansion for food products and increased market dependence for certain households. Transport infrastructure improved in the last decade. A more integrated food transportation network has developed which have increased the length of supply chains and the volume of food supplied. The integration of Bangladesh with the global economy expanded both the legal and illegal trade which have implications on the availability of food produce, dietary diversity, price stabilisation, and employment opportunities in the expanding sector.
Patterns and trends in food consumption in poor urban and rural households in Bangladesh: the field survey results
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2003-09) Halder, Shantana R; Urey, Ian; Barua, Proloy

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