Urban Demand for Food, Beverages, Betelnut and Tobacco in Papua New Guinea

Data from household surveys conducted between 1985 and 1990 were used in a regression model to estimate the impact that changes in household incomes have on the demand for each of 36 major foods, beverages, betelnut and tobacco within urban areas of Papua New Guinea. Locally produced crops that should be in high demand in future, if urban incomes rise, include betelnut, fresh vegetables, sweet potato, and fresh fruits. All else the same, the higher value of future demand for these crops may justify extra research spending, as opposed to spending on crops whose demand will not respond strongly to rising urban incomes.