Author: Deitrick Lainey | Majors: Finance and Economics | Semester: Summer 2022

My name is Lainey Deitrick and I am a Finance and Economics major with a minor in International Economic Development. My project’s objective was to collect data from random Mauritian citizens through IRB approved surveys to determine their milk consumption with one survey and their level of food security in the other. The milk consumption survey used randomly generated pictures and prices of milk to determine at what price range people were willing or not willing to purchase fresh milk. The food security survey asked questions about food consumption pre and post Covid-19 pandemic to determine the level of food security across the country.

For my research project, I was sent to Mauritius. This small island nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean is actually one of the most industrialized African countries, but its dependency on other countries for imports, such as dairy products, is what captured my attention. Prior to their industrialization, every family on the island lived an agrarian style life with means to support themselves. After their industrialization, families started turning to cheaper alternatives like powdered milk. Our data is currently in the analysis stage, but I am excited to see the results from both the milk consumption and food security surveys.

Working with the University of Mauritius has allowed me to gain experience from Mauritius citizens. I have learned that the Mauritian culture is much more relaxed than I am used to in the US. While some might see this as a lack of ambition, I have learned that it is actually an appreciation for everything that is in front of them. While doing field surveys, it is clear that the citizens take their time to answer each of our questions honestly. Mauritius has a lack of shame that most countries are still holding onto; when asked for their average monthly income, Mauritians are willing to share their information and experiences–this gives me reassurance that our data will be an accurate representation of the country. I have somewhat struggled with the language barrier, but it is not hard to find a Mauritian willing to teach you a new word or phrase in Creole.

Using the local bus as my main source of transportation has also allowed me to engage with different communities across the country. Whether it is the retired couples going to the market in the morning or a group of school kids singing in the back of the bus on their way home, it is easy to see how much happiness is in Mauritius. My study abroad experience has taught me limitless life tools, but I believe that the most important one is learning to do more with less. Now that I am back in the states, I will use this time to analyze my data. I will work with Dr. Nalley and Dr. Farmer to determine if a dairy industry is viable in Mauritius. The results from the food security survey will be used as ground work for another research project that will be going back to Mauritius in the future. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and I am eager to see the work this research does for Mauritius.