ABSTRACT

THIS CHAPTER 1 Discusses the concept of effective demand and the relative impor-

tance of income, population, preferences, and prices in determining the demand for food as development occurs

2 Explains the importance of income elasticities and price elasticities of demand for projecting consumption patterns and for development planning

3 Describes how supply interacts with demand over time to determine price levels and trends

EFFECTIVE DEMAND for FOOD The need for food and the effective demand for food are related but distinct concepts. Food needs correspond to the nutrient consumption required to maintain normal physical and mental growth in children and to sustain healthy bodies and normal levels of activity in adults. The effective demand (often just called demand) for food is the amount of food people are willing to buy at different prices and income levels, given their needs and preferences.