Determinants of Current Price Hikes for Selected Livestock Products in Sudan and their Periodic Implications on the Poor

Abstract

Soaring food prices became a global issue with multiple, overlapping and interacting reasons on both the demand and supply sides. This paper attempted to assess the causes and determinant factors of the recent price hikes for selected livestock commodities (live, meats, dairy, and poultry products) in Sudan, identify the urgent measures needed to be taken to avoid passive impacts on affected families particularly in Darfur and Eastern Sudan residents, who are unable to buy enough food to live a healthy life. The study attempted to determine whether the recent price surges has been transmitted from the international markets to the local markets and at what degree(s). Results showed that livestock markets were less distorted than crop markets. The study recommended modernization of the market chains for livestock and their products through technological change that increases yields to match the ever-increasing global demand for livestock products.