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Dissertations, Theses and Plan B Papers -- Abstract

Xiao, Jingyue. A Food Security Study in Mali: Toward Harmonized Food Policy for Rural Farm Households. Master's Thesis, 1991. Major Professor: Harsh. 

The purpose of this research was to study the major constraints affecting different farm households in the production and consumption of grain foods (mainly coarse cereal crops) and their estimated income situations in Mali. The study utilized farm household level data selected as part of a research program of Michigan State University and USAID from 1985 to 1989.

The research methods used in this study consist of descriptive and quantitative statistics (basic statistical tests, multiple linear regression methods). Data utilized are based on the main food production and transaction, household characteristics, taxation, census of 190 farm households from October 1985 to October 1986 in Mali.

The research showed that there were two major different kinds of rural farm households which have very different socio-economic characteristics, and some differences in household income and food strategies. Many interrelated factors affect this difference, though no single dominant factor can distinguish one kind of household from another. Due to the differences, the serious equity issue has been raised. The present fiscal policy has a negative impact on changes in rural equality, hence reform is needed. This study recommends that different food policies need to be made concerning food security and income distribution problems of different rural households.