Money Can’t Buy Me Love, but It Can Buy Apples: An Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Demand in Uzbekistan

Abstract

Hidden hunger affects far more people than hunger. Being rich in vitamins, fruit and vegetables fruit and vegetables are wonderful ways to reduce micronutrient deficiency. In Uzbekistan, although per capita national supply exceeds the recommended amounts, individual-level intakes remain inadequate. This study sheds light on the factors affecting poor fruit and vegetable consumption. The research area included five districts in Tashkent province, where almost 1000 people were visited in summer and winter. A fixed effects regression model has shown high income elasticity of demand across all population groups. In adults, food and nutrition knowledge was positively associated with increased intake. Prices were found to have an inverse impact on intake in infants and adult females. Nutrition education may be therefore just as important as lowering the price.