The food accounting matrix a method of examining the distribution of food supply

Abstract

This paper is confined to the description of a method of examining food commodity flows to groups of households. While the method does not include explicit reference to other variables, it may be used in conjunction with either data or models which include precipitation, farm inputs, prices, income etc. These details will be omitted to highlight the principals involved. Simple examples of its application as a tool for market supply management and the estimation of food aid requirements will be given. The experience on which this paper is based is limited to work done in Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and China.