Understanding Challenges to Food Security in Dry Arab Micro-States: Evidence from Qatari Micro-Data

Abul Basher Syed (), David Raboy (), Kaitibie Simeon () and Hossain Ishrat ()
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Abul Basher Syed: Department of Research and Monetary Policy, Qatar Central Bank, Doha, Qatar
Kaitibie Simeon: Department of Finance and Economics, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Qatar National Food Security Programme, Doha, Qatar
Hossain Ishrat: Department of Finance and Economics, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Qatar National Food Security Programme, Doha, Qatar

Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization, 2013, vol. 11, issue 1, 31-49

Abstract: Using Qatar as a case study, we exploit a novel micro-data set for 102 raw agricultural imported commodities on a shipment-by-shipment basis over the period January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010. The data comprise over half a million individual observations, with a very rich set of characteristic specifications. Several interesting initial results emerge from the analysis. First, we find evidence of import-price volatility far in excess of world price volatility across a wide spectrum of commodities. Second, supply origins for virtually all commodities are highly concentrated. In many cases, commodities are sole sourced. Third, although less so, concentration is evidenced among Qatari importing companies for certain commodities. Fourth, we notice anomalies that lead to inefficient shipping methodologies and associated increased costs. The paper concludes by providing an empirical illustration of hedonic price modeling for barley followed by guidance for future empirical research.

Keywords: food security; import data; market concentration; price volatility; logistic inefficiency; hedonic price modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1515/jafio-2012-0012

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