A modelling framework for computing changes in Healthy Diet Unaffordability.
Virtual Event, 10/10/2023
The affordability of a healthy diet is a pressing concern, exacerbated by recent crises like COVID-19, conflicts, and rising living costs, pushing the number of people unable to afford it to 3.1 billion in 2021. This session will present a new method that combines a global-scale general equilibrium model with household-level modeling. This framework allows for a comprehensive assessment of healthy diet affordability. Using simulation models, the authors derive data on income distribution and food prices to calculate the updated prevalence of unaffordable healthy diets. However, this approach demands careful consideration, since it requires interpreting results thoughtfully and critically assessing underlying assumptions defining this indicator. The presentation will examine the sensitivity of our results to key assumptions, highlighting whether this indicator serves as a positive or normative measure. The discussion will also delve into current debates about using the affordability of healthy diets as a complementary poverty line.
SPEAKER:
David Laborde is the Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at FAO. Before joining FAO David was Senior Research Fellow in the Markets, Trade and Institutions Division and the Theme Leader on Macroeconomics and Trade for IFPRI. His research interests include globalization, international trade, measurement and modeling of protectionism, multilateral, and regional trade liberalization as well as environmental issues (climate change, biofuels). He received his PhD from the University of Pau in 2008.