Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Market Prices and Food Supply in Urban Markets in Nairobi, Kenya

Catherine Nkirote Kunyanga (), Morten Fibieger Byskov, Keith Hyams, Samuel Mburu, Grace Werikhe and Rawlynce Bett
Additional contact information
Catherine Nkirote Kunyanga: Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 29053-00625, Kenya
Morten Fibieger Byskov: Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
Keith Hyams: Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
Samuel Mburu: Save the Children International, Kenya Programme, Nairobi P.O. Box 27679-00506, Kenya
Grace Werikhe: Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 29053-00625, Kenya
Rawlynce Bett: Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 29053-00625, Kenya

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented disruption of food systems worldwide, with most governments taking severe containment measures to curb the spread. This resulted in unpredicted negative impacts of the agri-food supply chains coupled with food price inflations. Ultimately, this affected the food security and urban livelihoods for most households, who are dependent on urban markets for food supply. This study examined the implications of the pandemic on food prices and commodities supplies to urban markets conducted through structured interviews. A review of the secondary data was also conducted to show the trends of commodity prices over the last 5 years. The high inflation of commodity prices with a decline in sales volumes was reported by most traders (97%) with decreases in supply quantities. Changes in the consumption behaviour in households was reported by consumers (75%), with 65% experiencing reduced food diversity at home. Households adopted varied coping mechanisms, including reduced food portions (52%), reduced food varieties (44%) and skipping meals (32%). Market prices increased by an average margin of 13.8% for grains and pulses with price decline observed for cabbages (−30.8%) and Irish potatoes (−19.4%). The findings may inform policymakers of additional future shock and pandemic control protocols, whose actions would assure food protection of urban livelihoods.

Keywords: food prices; urban markets; COVID-19 impact; food protection; livelihoods; food security (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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