FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSEHOLD DEMAND FOR SWEET POTATO IN TWO REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Factors affecting the demand for sweet potato were determined through a consumer survey of 1200 households from 2 regions of the Philippines. Using the regression technique, the demand functions were generated and the demand coefficients estimated. Separate regression analysis was made using the double log form for low income and high income households. The four relevant variables found to affect household demand for sweet potato included income of the head of the household, household size, retail price of sweet potato and age of the principal shopper. Sweet potato was found to be a superior good for lower income groups and inferior good at higher income levels.