Agricultural and Rural Economics

Agricultural and Rural Economics

Examining the Changes in Food Consumption Patterns of Iranian Households from 1960s until Now

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Gholamreza Forouhesh 1
Shohreh Soltani 2
1 Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran
10.30490/etr.2024.363056.1004
Abstract
Introduction: Food security in the society roots in the food security of households. Understanding the household food consumption pattern is a prerequisite for proper planning and policy making to achieve food security. Food consumption pattern changes over a specific period makes it possible to compare the current and past situations of the same country.
Material and Methods: In this study, changes in the pattern of Iranian households' food consumption were investigated based on the data of Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) from 1960s to the present time.
Results and Discussions: The results of this comparison showed that during this period, the per capita consumption of most food items, especially bread, sugary items and vegetable oils, was more than the recommended amount in the basket; also, the determining role of the income factor in choosing the type and amount of food consumption was emphasized. Another study result indicated the high similarity of food consumption patterns in urban and rural areas.
Conclusion and Suggestions: Per capita consumption of all types of meat, including red meat, has been decreasing in both urban and rural areas during the studied period, which is a sign of danger to food security of Iranian households. The main suggestion of this research is for government to increase people's awareness while improving the welfare and economic status of the society.
Keywords
Food Security
Food Consumption Pattern
Household
Urban and Rural Areas
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