Variables associated with household food consumption expenditure in Alexandria

Abstract

This study seeks to study some socio economic and behavioural variables associated with Household Food Consumption Expenditure in Alexandria. A quantitative study was conducted on a simple random sample of 150 housewives who frequented non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Data were collected by using a questionnaire through personal interview and analysed statistically using (SPSS V.22). Results indicate statistically significant relationships between the percentage of household spending on food and several socio-economic variables. The regression model explains 26.1% of the variation in food expenditure share (R² = 0.261), with a statistically significant F value, indicating acceptable explanatory power. The regression analysis confirms that monthly income is the most significant determinant of the proportion of income spent on food, with higher income associated with a lower expenditure share. Monthly income shows a significant negative association with food expenditure share, suggesting that as income increases, the proportion of income allocated to food declines, consistent with Engel’s law. Other variables such as age, education and family size show partial or indirect relationships. Behavioural factors, such as consumption rationalisation and purchasing motives, remain underdeveloped limiting households’ ability to optimise their resource use and management. Recommendations include developing and delivering specialised training and guidance programmes in rational consumption and financial management across all aspects of daily life through targeted Home Economics programmes.