International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade
Abstract
There has been an increase in efforts towards alleviating food insecurity in developing and transition economies. Changes in agricultural practices and the growth of aquaculture have led to changes in food
consumption, employment opportunities and household income. Aquaculture and fishery products have become a significant source of high quality protein, vitamins and minerals. Aquatic resources harvested from capture fisheries and/or obtain from own-production through aquaculture are, therefore, considered important for the
sustenance rural livelihoods. Fishing and/or aquaculture production activities contribute to household income, and the resulting household consumption patterns have implications for poverty alleviation. It is
important, therefore, to assess the nutrition levels and consumption behaviour of households that participate actively in aquaculture. Key determinants of food consumption in rural Vietnam are thus examined.
Budget share and calorie share equations for the main food groups, including fish, are estimated using OLS and IV regression models. Discrete choice analysis is employed to model household food choice behaviour. These analyses are unique in that they are restricted to households that participate actively in aquaculture activities. Preliminary results suggest that the key determinants of food consumption include calorie price, ethnic dummies, headship of household, selected regional variables and other socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of households. The results also show that production and consumption of aquaculture and fishery products contribute to nutrition and food security. These results are of significance to researcher, policy makers interested in the design of extension programs in aquaculture designed to improve the rural
livelihoods.Keywords: Fisheries Economics, Aquaculture and fishery resources, Vietnam, Capture fisheries, Developing and transition economie
