Thesis (BS Agribusiness Economics) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, May 2018

Food is identified as one of the basic needs at it provides the nutrients needed to grow and develop. On the average, food expenditure constitutes the biggest portion of the budget for low-income countries, food expenditures constitute a vital element for some of the welfare indicators in the domains of food security, nutrition, health and poverty. In the Philippines, four out of the top five poorest regions are in Mindanao and three three regions register the highest incidence of hunger ? ARMM, Caraga, and Western Mindanao. Literature identified that socioeconomic factors affects food expenditures and are used to provide recommendations to enhance welfare. This study aims to assess total food expenditure of households in Mindanao. Using the 2015 Family and Income Expenditure Survey, published by Philippine Statistics Authority, linear regression was used to identify significant socioeconomic factors and their effect on food expenditure in each region in Mindanao. Results showed that significant drivers of food expenditure vary each region and the only significant factor consistent across the region was household annual income, which had positive relationship with food expenditures. Based on the result, it was recommended that the government should create more livelihood programs and trainings and seminar opportunities to increase the households? income in Mindanao which could increase their food expenditure thereby ensuring food security.