research projects
Jessica has been working in food and agricultural research since 2010. In that time she has planned and executed three research programs in three countries. Jessica is committed to mixed methods research - incorporating rigorous quantitative and qualitative approaches to deepen the understanding of complex problems related to food, agricultural value chains, markets, and malnutrition.
consumer demand for nutritious food purchases
Mozambique
The first the BUY2THRIVE program was implemented in Mozambique as Jessica's dissertation research. The details of the intervention can be found on the B2T website. Mixed methods research was conducted to investigate: (1) the amount low-income consumers are willing to pay for a diverse diet; (2) the factors, perceptions, and health beliefs that affect willingness to pay; (3) education messages that will increase the purchase of nutritious foods; and (4) assess if the messages change behaviour in the short-term.
Viability of Market-Based Solutions for Addressing Micronutrient Deficiency
Kenya
This research consisted of a comprehensive desk-review of businesses operating in the bottom of the economic pyramid. Subsequently, field research was conducted to examine the barriers faced by businesses in delivering nutritious foods to low-income consumers. This research was used by the Global Alliance of Improved Nutrition in Marketplace for Nutritious Foods program.
business-based strategies for Improved Nutrition: The Case of grameen Danone Foods Limited
Bangladesh
Part of the wider research program, Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition in South Asia, the case study of Grameen Danone Foods Limited examined the extent to which viable business opportunities exist for marketing commercially produced nutritious foods to low-income households. GDFL produces and distributes fortified yogurt to rural and urban households in Bangladesh. The research consisted of a choice experiment and survey with 1,000 mothers and 600 school children.
assessment of world vision's Promoting agriculture, Governance and the Environment program
Sierra Leone
An endline evaluation was conducted of the program 'Promoting Agriculture, Governance and the Environment'. The program was a $15.2 million intervention funded by USAID, led and operated by ACDI/VOCA, Tetra Tech ARD and World Vision International. Based on the conclusions of the report, recommendations were provided for the subsequent program 'Systems Approach to Improve and Sustain Food Security'.
Vertical economies of scope in small scale dairy operations
Ontario, Canada
This research supported the small scale dairy operations in Southwestern Ontario. A price analysis of artisan cheeses was conducted in two cities and dairy processors were interviewed to gather data on costs of production. An extensive desk review was conducted to identify vertical economies of scope within the production to reduce costs and increase viability of small scale dairy operations.