Animal-sourced food revolutions and their implications for prices, consumption, and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries

Summary

This analysis examines whether livestock and aquaculture production expansion in low- and middle-income countries improves ASF affordability through price reductions. The work distinguishes between tradable and non-tradable ASF commodities, finding that poultry meat and egg production growth associates with substantial real price declines, whilst dairy shows a weaker and more heterogeneous relationship owing to powder dairy tradability. The findings suggest ASF production growth can enhance affordability, though economic, environmental and food safety challenges warrant consideration.

Regional applicability

The study focuses on low- and middle-income country contexts, where ASF affordability is a significant nutritional constraint. UK applicability is limited, as the UK is a high-income country with different price dynamics, regulatory environments, and consumer preferences; however, the theoretical framework regarding tradability and pricing may inform understanding of UK supply chain dynamics.

Key measures

Real ASF prices (absolute and relative), ASF consumption, caloric prices of ASFs, cross-country variation in ASF consumption and production growth

Outcomes reported

The study examined whether increases in animal-sourced food (ASF) production translate into lower real prices and improved consumption in low- and middle-income countries, analysing the relationship between production growth, pricing, and affordability across poultry, eggs, and dairy.

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