Kenya's Families Adjust to War-Driven Food Price Spike
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had significant effects on global energy markets and food supply chains. Kenya, which imports about 92% of its wheat, was heavily affected by the conflict.
A team of researchers tracked how families in Nairobi's Mukuru informal settlement used liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. They found that after Russia invaded Ukraine, households greatly reduced their LPG consumption and changed what they ate.
The war led to a sharp increase in global food prices, with Kenya experiencing nearly double-digit inflation (15.4% vs 8.9%). Households had to adjust their diets, eating less meat and fish, and more ugali (maize porridge), vegetables, and fast food.
About half of the families surveyed skipped meals, while one-third reduced their gas consumption. The researchers found that households spent an average of 86 Kenyan shillings ($0.66) less per month on cooking in 2022 compared to 2021.