Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Economics

Advisor/Mentor

Farmer, Amy

Abstract

Over the Summer, I interned at the University of Mauritius and the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security from May 18th to July 15th, 2022, researching issues with Mauritius’s food security and helping to create solutions to their economic problems. My project covered all Mauritius’s agricultural imports, but it had an emphasis on their dairy industry. While in Mauritius, I conducted research on food security among Mauritians, and a feasibility study on if residents would be open to drinking more fresh milk, which is a market the country is exploring to replace sugar cane. My data analysis will be used to counteract rising import costs, conclude if a dairy industry would be viable, and determine land that can be converted for agricultural use.

While interning, I conducted Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved surveys. My team and I surveyed local farms, business owners, and consumers in Mauritius to determine their milk preferences and their food security levels pre and post pandemic. I was personally in charge of surveying local consumers in Mauritius, to determine how the agricultural imports have affected prices, rationing of supplies, and local businesses. The surveys I conducted were done randomly by district and took into account demographics. This internship was monitored by Dr. Amy Farmer, Dr. Lawton Nalley, Dr. Gopaul (at the University of Mauritius), and the Ministry of Agro and Food Securities council.

Island Nations, such as Mauritius, have a growing problem with food insecurity due to importing essential food, such as dairy products. This problem is attacking the pocket books and stomachs of Mauritians. Due to the growing tourism industry, the demand for dairy products has increased. One of the main reasons why Mauritius does not have a dairy industry is the high price of imported feed for dairy cows. This has led Mauritius to rely heavily on the import of powdered milk and other dairy products (Mauritius Local Milk and Meat Production). Mauritius is an economically developed country, but faces the negative effects of oscillating import rates. However, with the help of this project, there will be a significant impact on the national and local economies.

The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security asked for the University of Arkansas’s help to find a solution to this ongoing problem, and has played an important role in overseeing this project. The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security is a non-profit organization whose goal is to drive the development of agricultural industries while promoting safety, quality, and the innovation of technology (Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security). Our main goal is to determine if a milk industry in Mauritius is a viable endeavor, and if it will cut costs by decreasing imports. This project consisted of surveying local farmers, local consumers, restaurants, and business owners on how the lack of a fresh dairy industry has affected them financially.

Keywords

Mauritius; Food Security; Powdered Milk; Africa; Economic Development; Ag Econ

Comments

A special thank you to Dr. Amy Farmer and Dr. Lanier Nalley for their mentorship the past 3 years. I could not have completed this internship and thesis without their support. An additionally thank you to Sophia Utles and Abigail Burch for going on this adventure with me!

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