Ghana's food insecurity crisis worsens amid economic struggles

Ghana is facing an escalating food insecurity crisis, with the rate of insufficient food consumption (IFC) rising by 5.77 per cent in July 2024.
This is according to the latest Food Security Monitor report.
This significant increase is largely attributed to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which has been exacerbated by persistently high inflation, a weakening currency, and soaring fuel prices.
These economic pressures have driven up the cost of essential commodities, particularly staple foods such as maize and rice.
This concerning development aligns with projections from the World Food Programme (WFP), which warned in its February 2024 report and subsequent March analysis that approximately 1.05 million Ghanaians would face food insecurity between June and August 2024.
The WFP identified multiple contributing factors, including climate change, low agricultural prices, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education.
Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported rice has further heightened its vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
The July report also noted that while IFC rates remained stable in most countries from June to July, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda saw notable increases of 5.77 per cent, 3.98 per cent, and 7.5 per cent respectively.
Conversely, Zimbabwe experienced a 5.45 per cent decrease in IFC during the same period.
On a year-over-year basis, the majority of countries have seen increases in IFC, with exceptions including Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia, where current levels are lower than those recorded a year ago.
The report also identifies several nations as food insecurity hotspots, where over half of the population faces insufficient food consumption.
These include Burkina Faso (56.6 per cent), Mali (69.1 per cent), Niger (82.6 per cent), and Nigeria (51.5 per cent).
Source: classfmonline.com
Trending Business
Energy expert warns new electricity tariffs could fuel unemployment
08:05Easter: Kwahu Obomeng Queen Mother cautions against price hikes
02:31Basintale blocks renewal of Zoomlion's contract if salary remains GH¢250
13:14MDF forum pushes for mineral revenues to benefit mining communities
09:38MPs assure Zoomlion of gov't's prompt debt settlement
11:24GoldBod begins licensing of gold trading service providers
11:48President Mahama appoints Capt. James Richmond Quayson as the Director of Takoradi Port
13:10Replicate Kwahu Business Forum nationwide- UCC don to Mahama
09:27Better Ghana Alliance rebuts DPPF’s hailing of KGL as Africa’s top lotto company
09:13New policies will hurt mining sector growth - Minority to gov’t
08:27