The AGRODEP Training Course on Estimation of the Economic Impact of High Food Prices Using Micro Data was held from May 28-30. The course was organized by instructed by Miguel Robles of IFPRI.
The three-day training course showed participants how to conduct estimations of the economic impact of simulated food price changes at the household level. Among other things, the course covered estimations of average losses/benefits for different types of households, changes in national and regional poverty rates as a result of food price changes, and estimation of food price elasticities to account for changes in consumption decisions.
Eleven AGRODEP members participated in the course: Funke Iyabo Olagunju, Joshua Ajetomobi Olusegun, Mekbib Haile, Job Oladeebo, Laudia Ogunniyi, Kabir Salman, Adebayo Shittu, Gebrehaweria Gebrezgi, Susan Watundu, Oluwakemi Obayelu, and Miriam Omolo. The participants represented four countries and a wide range of experience and interests. The training course was well-received by all participants; participant feedback will be very valuable in improving future training experiences of AGRODEP members. The quotes below highlight just some of the positive feedback received from participants.
Susan Watundu of Makerere University Business School had this to say about the training:
One important lesson I learnt is that research is not all about carrying out empirical estimations using STATA or any other statistical software but the understanding of the theory and reasons behind these estimations. This is important in understanding the right models to be estimated for a given data set as well as interpretation of the results attained thereafter. This study clearly brought out the application of microeconomics theory to the day to day problems faced by households and individuals. I also appreciate the guidance in understanding the Household survey questionnaires and data generated from such kind of surveys. The programming in STATA was wonderful as well as the simulation process. I am sure this will guide me in my future household survey studies.
Mekbib Haile of the Ethiopian Economics Association provided this feedback:
The 2013 AGRODEP training on "Estimation of the Economic Impact of High Food Prices Using Micro Data" was indeed an outstanding experience for me. I learned and revised the various methodologies in estimating the impact of the recent increase in international and domestic food prices on rural and urban households. The training was particularly important for me as it uses real household survey data from different countries instead of a hypothetical database.I wish to thank Miguel Robles, for taking us through alternative estimation methodologies and related literature, and AGRODEP & IFPRI for giving me the chance to participate in this invaluable training course.
Adebayo Shittu of the Federal University of Agriculture in Nigeria said:
For me, this training offered an opportunity to revisit & learn afresh some crucial theoretical foundations for my research that I use to take for granted in the past with limiting implication for my ability to contribute to knowledge. The training also broadened my knowledge of welfare analysis and equipped me with new analytical tools and knowledge of international best practices in my area of calling. I wish to thank AGRODEP & IFPRI for this invaluable capacity building opportunity given to me and my colleagues; and Miguel Robles, for sparing no effort to ensure we followed him & understand the key messages of his presentations.
Read more about the course and view pictures.