Per capita food expenditure in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar: Is there household economies of scale?

  • May Thet Htar Yezin Agricultural University
  • Theingi Myint Yezin Agricultural University
  • Chue Htet Hnin Yezin Agricultural University
  • Htet Marlar Aye Yezin Agricultural University
  • Yin Nyein Aye Yezin Agricultural University
  • Moh Moh Yezin Agricultural University
  • Thi Thi Soe Yezin Agricultural University
Keywords: Food expenditure, Income, Household size, Size economies

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the existence of economies of scale in food consumption, the share of food expense in total household expenditure, and the determinants of per capita food expenditure in Myanmar. The study was conducted with a total of 400 respondents from Nay Pyi Taw region and the survey took place in October 2021. The results are presented into two sections. In the first section, the descriptive statistics of the variables such as the respondents’ age, household size, education and  residence are reported. The  household monthly income was 227.51 USD, household monthly food expenditure was 112.49 USD, household monthly per capita food expenditure was 36.69 USD, and the share of food expenditure to total household expenditure was 70.20 % on average. In the second section, the inferential statistics of the variables are reported using the Pearson’s correlation analysis and regression analysis. Significant negative relationships were found between adult-equivalent household size and per capita food expenditure, and between income and the share of food expense in total household expenditure. The negative effect of household size on per capita food expenditure indicated by the regression analysis suggested that economies of scale in food consumption existed among the study households. Policy makers therefore need to consider economies of scale when designing the poverty alleviation programs.

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Published
2022-12-09
How to Cite
Htar, M. T., Myint, T., Htet Hnin, C., Aye, H. M., Nyein Aye, Y., Moh, M., & Soe, T. T. (2022). Per capita food expenditure in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar: Is there household economies of scale? . Asia Pacific Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy, 10(2), 77-83. https://doi.org/10.36782/apjsafe.v10i2.164
Section
Socio-economy, policy and ethic