Food consumption patterns in dense coastal settlements of Kendari City, Indonesia

Abstract

Food consumption is a basic human need, the most basic part of the welfare of society. In general, the food needs of low-income people have not been fully met. The purpose of this study was to study food consumption patterns in low-income people (LIP) in the coastal area of Kendari City. The population is LIP who receive social assistance in 2021. The total sample is 120 households, which were selected using the simple random sampling method. The analysis uses the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model with the parameter estimation method using Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR). The results showed that partially, commodity price variables and respondent’s characteristics had an effect on food expenditure, except for the age variable. The price elasticity of demand for all commodities is negative, according to the theory of demand, except for vegetables, which are positive. The value of income elasticity for all commodity groups is positive, where food sources of carbohydrates tend to be inelastic and the demand for vegetables and side dishes is elastic. In general, the response to changes in cross-demand between commodities shows that there are commodities that are mutually complementary and some are complementary.