Food inflation exacerbating food security

By Mary Alorh

As African countries navigate the post-COVID period, they face significant economic challenges, including rising inflation and increasing consumer prices.

Globally, economic downturns have impacted all regions, and Africa is no exception. The interconnectedness of African economies with the global market means that any global economic disruption also affects Africa.

In 2022, the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated food shortages in Africa, particularly in products like bread. Africa relies heavily on wheat imports from Ukraine, a major agricultural producer. The conflict led to wheat shortages and subsequent price increases, causing widespread food insecurity.

Maize is the most common staple food crop in Africa and globally. In Africa, it is used to prepare various traditional dishes such as Ugali in Kenya, Akple in Togo, Banku in Ghana, and Pap in South Africa, consumed daily by millions.

Maize is favored due to its rapid maturity, high calorie content, and ease of preparation, storage, and processing. This makes it a vital food source for many vulnerable populations.

Inflation on food items has become a significant economic hardship in many African countries. Since 2020, Ghana has experienced a sharp increase in the cost of maize production, with costs rising by over 500 percent. This has raised serious food security concerns.

In Ghana, farmers now need to invest about 8000 cedis (US$520) in one acre of maize farmland, only to recoup 3000 cedis (US$195) after production, resulting in a 5000 cedi (US$325) loss. This financial strain is driving farmers away from maize cultivation.

In May 2024, Nigeria’s food inflation rate reached 40.66 percent year-on-year, up from 24.82 percent in 2023. Contributing factors include low agricultural production, a weak currency (the naira), and heavy reliance on expensive imported food items due to import duties.

To address these challenges:

• Social support interventions should be provided to the most vulnerable populations.
• Governments should assist farmers with production inputs to boost yields.
• There should be significant investment in the food value chain system to withstand external shocks such as global economic crises, conflicts, and climate change.

In conclusion, ensuring food security is essential for survival. For staple foods like maize, it is crucial for governments to invest in sustainable production to prevent food security issues that could escalate into national security concerns.

Mary Alorh is Director of Administration at DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., and is an expert in Gender, Youth, and Peace & Security initiatives in West Africa.