Research Receives Professional Exposure

Author: Lainey Deitrick | Majors: Finance and Economics | Semester: Spring 2023

My name is Lainey Deitrick and I am a Finance and Economics major with a minor in International Economic Development. 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.

While interning, I conducted Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved surveys. My team and I surveyed local farms, tourists, and consumers in Mauritius to determine the financial and personal effects Mauritius’s agricultural imports have had on them. My team was assigned translators that would travel with us to the villages to conduct two surveys: 1. Milk Consumption 2. Food Security. 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. The “Milk Consumption” survey would randomly generate prices and milk preferences (powdered, fresh, and or ultra high temperature milk) that the civilians would choose between. This survey also included questions regarding income, household size, consumption frequency, and reasons for not purchasing fresh milk. The “Food Security” survey asked a series of questions regarding the pre and post Covid-19 pandemic environment surrounding food security on the island. This survey also included questions regarding income, household size, and preferred government subsidies. Examples of survey questions can be found below:

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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 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.

Since returning from Mauritius, I have been spending the Spring 2023 semester analyzing my data and finishing my honors thesis requirement. Our project was also selected to present at the Southern Agricultural Economics Association in 2023. We presented a poster with information regarding the findings of our food security survey because the analysis from our dairy data was not yet ready . We worked with Dr. Nalley on our poster this semester and have continued to work with him since the conference to finalize our findings. This data will also be used to maximize the farmers productivity and revenue. One of our main goals is to discover a profitable way for local farmers to supply dairy directly to the consumer industry on the island.. Based on the desires for dairy in Mauritius, current supply, and possible supply, if a dairy industry was implemented in the country, I have predicted that a dairy industry will not survive in Mauritius. I have been able to complete my honors thesis requirement this semester, but I am eager to see the data the new round of students brings back from Mauritius this year.