Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Abstract

As a beginning point for a food security policy, this article addresses national and regional consumption and purchasing power. This study analyses Pakistan's food demand using indirect expenditure and price utility functions based on the 2017-18 integrated household economic survey and a nonlinear, nearly ideal demand system. According to the study's findings, demand for most commodities is less than unit responsive to expenditure elasticity at the national and regional levels, except for fruit, meat, and sugar. According to a study on cross-price elasticity, wheat, legumes, and vegetables are complementary products in Pakistan's urban and rural areas. Fruit and milk are also complementary items. The geography analysis shows that greater gross and net substitute impacts are found in urban areas than in rural areas. Contrary to popular belief, urban dwellers are more likely than rural ones to make do with less expensive alternatives. Improving societal well-being requires reevaluating how consumption, price, and income are interconnected. According to the findings, food costs should stay steady, and any rises should be mitigated by price subsidies or other safety net programs for individuals with limited financial means. The state should focus on rural economic activities such as farming, livestock herding, and other associated businesses.