Demand and consumption patterns of banana in Tanzania

Abstract Bananas (Musa spp.) are a key dietary staple and income source in Tanzania, with varying demand patterns across urban and rural areas. This study examines banana demand and consumption patterns in Tanzania, addressing a gap in the literature across different contexts. Cross-sectional data f...

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Main Author: William George
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-02-01
Series:Discover Food
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-025-00304-x
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author William George
author_facet William George
author_sort William George
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Bananas (Musa spp.) are a key dietary staple and income source in Tanzania, with varying demand patterns across urban and rural areas. This study examines banana demand and consumption patterns in Tanzania, addressing a gap in the literature across different contexts. Cross-sectional data from 2021 and time series data from 2000 to 2021 were used. Dynamic econometric models, including the Constant Elasticity of Demand framework and log-linear regression, assess the impact of price, income, and consumer preferences on banana demand. The findings reveal a negative price elasticity of demand for bananas, ranging from −0.110 to −0.130, statistically significant at the 10% level. Cross-price elasticities show substitution effects with cassava (0.06–0.08) and sweet potatoes (0.24). Income elasticity is positive (0.040–0.070) and significant. Regional differences in price elasticity are observed, with urban consumers showing a range of −0.330 to −1.150, and rural consumers between −0.480 and −1.010. Income elasticities are positive and significant in both regions. The study highlights that banana consumption is influenced by price, income, and shifting consumer preferences. It offers policy recommendations to strengthen the banana value chain and improve food security in Tanzania.
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spelling doaj-art-1278166daf0c4196baafad25ba1ef4912025-02-09T12:41:07ZengSpringerDiscover Food2731-42862025-02-01511810.1007/s44187-025-00304-xDemand and consumption patterns of banana in TanzaniaWilliam George0Department of Economics, The University of DodomaAbstract Bananas (Musa spp.) are a key dietary staple and income source in Tanzania, with varying demand patterns across urban and rural areas. This study examines banana demand and consumption patterns in Tanzania, addressing a gap in the literature across different contexts. Cross-sectional data from 2021 and time series data from 2000 to 2021 were used. Dynamic econometric models, including the Constant Elasticity of Demand framework and log-linear regression, assess the impact of price, income, and consumer preferences on banana demand. The findings reveal a negative price elasticity of demand for bananas, ranging from −0.110 to −0.130, statistically significant at the 10% level. Cross-price elasticities show substitution effects with cassava (0.06–0.08) and sweet potatoes (0.24). Income elasticity is positive (0.040–0.070) and significant. Regional differences in price elasticity are observed, with urban consumers showing a range of −0.330 to −1.150, and rural consumers between −0.480 and −1.010. Income elasticities are positive and significant in both regions. The study highlights that banana consumption is influenced by price, income, and shifting consumer preferences. It offers policy recommendations to strengthen the banana value chain and improve food security in Tanzania.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-025-00304-xConsumptionDemandElasticityIncomeMusa spp.
spellingShingle William George
Demand and consumption patterns of banana in Tanzania
Discover Food
Consumption
Demand
Elasticity
Income
Musa spp.
title Demand and consumption patterns of banana in Tanzania
title_full Demand and consumption patterns of banana in Tanzania
title_fullStr Demand and consumption patterns of banana in Tanzania
title_full_unstemmed Demand and consumption patterns of banana in Tanzania
title_short Demand and consumption patterns of banana in Tanzania
title_sort demand and consumption patterns of banana in tanzania
topic Consumption
Demand
Elasticity
Income
Musa spp.
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-025-00304-x
work_keys_str_mv AT williamgeorge demandandconsumptionpatternsofbananaintanzania