Urban food retail in Africa: The case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

No hay miniatura disponible

Fecha

Título de la revista

ISSN de la revista

Título del volumen

Editor

International Food Policy Research Institute
Ethiopia Development Research Institute

Resumen

Descripción

We study food retail in Addis Ababa, one of the biggest cities in Africa. Based on a primary survey of food retail outlets selling cereals, fruits and vegetables, and processed foods, we note high variation in quality and prices in the city and an increasing differentiation in food retail markets in recent years. On the high-end, we see the emergence of domestic (as foreign direct investment in retail is not allowed) private modern retail outlets that deliver high quality products at high prices and that focus mostly on wealthier areas and consumers. At the other side, we see cooperative retail that delivers food at controlled and subsidized prices. The latter shops are characterized by typical price control policy problems, reflected in regular lack of supplies and queuing. It seems that food retail markets would be improved by stimulating the emergence of a competitive private retail sector, the abolishment of price controls, and targeted subsidies or safety nets for the poor.

Palabras clave

retail marketing, urban areas, markets

Citación