The war for food - 1st April 2022

“War in Ukraine means hunger in Africa” according to the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva. Prices of wheat and other cereals rocketed across the continent as the two major suppliers of these staple foods, Ukraine and Russia, became locked in combat.

The problems are further exacerbated as Russia was hit with international sanctions. As a key supplier of fertiliser and fuel to Africa this measure’s driving up the cost of energy.

In Nigeria, the fragile power networks struggle to supply more than a few hours of electricity a day, forcing up to 70 percent of businesses to run off expensive diesel powered generators.

For Lagos baker Julius Adewale this crisis is a perfect storm.

Julius Adewale: "Cost of production, it has increased immensely. So, they have to come together and also increase the price of bread by 40 percent to what it was before. A common man, that has not even eaten, you no expect him to buy bread or a loaf of bread for 700."

This situation’s repeated across Africa. In Uganda, where a family would have spent an average of 5,000 shillings on food and other necessities, they now spend more than 10,000.

Whilst Nigeria is Africa’s main oil producer, it has little refining capacity. Although the government subsidises petrol, aviation fuel and diesel retail at market prices. Therefore, food distribution around the country is also being affected.

Samuel Salau is a construction engineer.

Samuel Salau: "At the beginning of the year, diesel sell for, I think, about 270 to 280. Then, at a time, we having like 310. But at presently, within a month, it's left that level to about 600 and something plus. And so many industry is on diesel. Trucks that bring here food, so from the north to the south, are running on diesel. Even train runs on diesel."

The high prices, caused by the conflict, will worsen food insecurity in many countries. This is particularly concerning for conflict-torn Ethiopia, where nearly 20 million people are already in need of food aid.