Essays on Food Economics: Interactions between Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and Food Consumption

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Essays on food consumption, economic growth and sustainable development

Publication . Pais, Daniel Francisco Bento; Marques, António Manuel Cardoso; Fuinhas, José Alberto Serra Ferreira Rodrigues

One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century can be summarized in the question: how can we supply the global growing demand for food while securing that the environmental limits as well as public health concerns are not breached? Considering that the global population is expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050, the maintenance of actual consumption patterns is expected to be unsustainable. Many countries have recognised the need to pursue more sustainable paths for every sector of the economy. However, contrary to the recommendations and warnings from the scientific community, the food sector still pursues a “business-as-usual” path, which could endanger present and future generations. With this in mind, the present thesis aims to contribute to a better understanding of the critical issue of this food challenge from an economic perspective. To do so, it operates on three main objectives. The first objective focusses on making a clear understanding of the scientific knowledge regarding the impacts of food consumption, and further exposing potential misconceptions regarding this topic. The second objective, which derives from the first, focusses on analysing the relationship between food and the economy, in particular, the impact of a change in food consumption on economic growth. The third and final objective focusses on exploring potential strategies to promote the healthier and more sustainable food choices needed to ensure present and future sustainability. To achieve these objectives, this thesis includes one literature review and six empirical essays, divided in three chapters. Firstly, this thesis presents a review of the scientific literature on the impact of food consumption. The literature review in Chapter 2 identifies the need for healthier and more sustainable diets. Furthermore, it recognizes a diet including more plant-based foods and less animal-based foods as healthier and more sustainable than current diets. The literature review contextualizes the starting point for the following chapters. From here, Chapter 3 assesses the economic impact of diets with less animal-based foods. Three studies are conducted using different samples and econometric techniques. After concluding that a shift towards more plant-based foods could offset the impact of a reduction in animal-based foods, Chapter 4 explores how these healthier and more sustainable diets can be achieved. Three studies are conducted assessing the potential drivers of food consumption and food choices. Results point out that many characteristics such as the cost of diet, education and information levels, environmental awareness, among others, should be considered in policy decision-making to achieve these necessary diets aligned with sustainable development. Several econometric methodologies that deal with the different data structures are applied for different samples. Panel data techniques are used on an annual basis. Besides panel data, both time-series and cross-sectional data techniques are applied to better understand country-specific dynamics. Emphasis is given to countries with high levels of food consumption, particularly animal-based consumption. The diversity of models is utilized to guarantee robust results and answer the research questions with underpinned confidence. The most suitable econometric techniques are followed to accomplish the proposed objectives. Overall, this thesis defends that a transition to healthier and more sustainable diets is vital and in order to do so it is important that policymakers consider the economic impact of such transition and tailor their policies based on consumer behaviour. Promoting healthier and more sustainable food choices involves educating consumers on the topic, creating awareness on the impact of individual consumption choices, and encouraging other economic agents to follow this agenda and further promote it in their communities. Immediate action is needed to mitigate this increasing food challenge.

2023-05-22Doctoral thesis

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