The Demand for Potatoes in Tunisia: Are They a Cereal Substitute?

Per capita potato consumption has more than doubled in Tunisia during the past three decades. An econometric analysis of potato demand suggests that the principal source of growth in consumption is an income effect. The demand elasticities also suggest that potatoes are substituted for traditional cereal staples when food price ratios change, at least in the short run. Consumer preferences for potatoes may be increasing due to demographic and cultural factors. These findings carry implications for national agricultural policy which seeks to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. More emphasis could be given to non-traditional foods such as potatoes. Copyright 1994 by Oxford University Press.