DONOR DILEMMAS IN FOOD AID - THE CASE OF WHEAT IN SUDAN

In many developing countries there has been a trend towards increased consumption of wheat and increased dependence on commercial imports and food aid. Bread consumption has become widespread in both rural and urban areas as a consequence of changing tastes, convenience and consumer subsidies. The interest of development agencies and international donors in food security can conflict with food aid policies. Sudan is a country dependent on wheat food aid where donors face such a dilemma. This article examines production, marketing and consumption issues concerning wheat in Sudan. It is concluded that the wheat subsidy should be replaced with targeted subsidization schemes within a broader food security policy. © 1990.