CONSUMPTION OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL IN CHINA

Abstract

Since the late 1970s, consumption of livestock products has increased rapidly in the diet of the Chinese. However, this is accompanied by a notable difference in the level of consumption of livestock products between rural and urban residents, the rich and the poor, and between regions. While there is literature examining the consumption differences between the rural and urban and the rich and poor, studies that examine regional differences have been scarce. This study focuses on examining the differences in the level and pattern of consumption of livestock products between regions and empirically estimates price and income elasticities of demand for various animal products by rural and urban consumers at the regional level. Implications are drawn for animal product market development.

Since the late 1970s, consumption of livestock products has increased rapidly in the diet of the Chinese. However, this is accompanied by a notable difference in the level of consumption of livestock products between rural and urban residents, the rich and the poor, and between regions. While there is literature examining the consumption differences between the rural and urban and the rich and poor, studies that examine regional differences have been scarce. This study focuses on examining the differences in the level and pattern of consumption of livestock products between regions and empirically estimates price and income elasticities of demand for various animal products by rural and urban consumers at the regional level. Implications are drawn for animal product market development.