Overview:
Emongor's article is a comprehensive review of the food price and food insecurity crisis in
Kenya, using secondary data to show the negative effects of rising food prices on the population.
This article discusses the demand- and supply-side factors involved in the crisis, analyzes its
implications, and evaluates short- and long-term policy actions.
Abstract:
1. Introduction and background
Global and local context: This paper begins by placing Kenya's food crisis in the global context
of inflation of food prices, which have risen sharply since 2003. This paper points to greater
vulnerability. of the poor. A population that spends money on food. Policy Dilemmas: It
describes the policy challenges faced by developing countries, including Kenya, where
governments struggle between allowing prices to adjust (leading to inflation and hardship) and
implementing subsidies or export restrictions (which can exacerbate global price increases).
High Food Prices in Kenya: Price Trends: The article details the rise in food prices in Kenya
since 2006, with staple foods like maize, wheat, and milk becoming increasingly expensive. It
highlights the persistent high prices despite a drop in global food prices, emphasizing factors like
currency devaluation and rising fuel costs. Price Transmission Issues: It discusses the poor price
transmission from international to domestic markets and the local factors contributing to price
volatility, such as weather conditions, local production shifts, and inflation.
This article states that over 10 million people in Kenya suffer from malnutrition, and that
malnutrition rates are high among the children. This indicates the challenge of achieving food
security despite years of good production.
The main causes of the problem:
Urbanization: Rapid urbanization has created challenges in providing adequate services and
food security, especially in residential areas. Low income and poverty: Low income and high
poverty lead to food insecurity and a large population with no purchasing power.
Supply side issues: Agricultural productivity: Low agricultural productivity, high input costs
and insufficient investment in rural infrastructure contribute to the crisis.
Climate change: Changes and variations in climate affect food production and availability.
Political Response: Short-term measures: These measures include emergency food aid, food
policy networks (cash, cash transfers) and trade and tax reform. Long-term strategies: Increase
investments in agricultural research, rural infrastructure and financial services to improve food
security and reduce vulnerability.
Critical Overview:
1. Strengths:
Comprehensive Coverage: This paper accurately covers a wide range of issues related to the
problem of food affordability and food insecurity, providing in a detailed description of the
factors involved in supply and demand. Policy discussion: The inclusion of short-term and long-
term policy measures provides a holistic view of responses to the problem and demonstrates the
need for a multidisciplinary approach. Visual data: Using secondary data to validate claims about
food price trends and food security trends makes the analysis valid.
2. Weaknesses:
Lack of primary data: Although it is good to rely on secondary data, this means that the analysis
may not fully capture new developments or facts based on the country can be explored by
collecting primary data. Policy evaluation: This article briefly mentions policy measures, but
could benefit from a more in-depth evaluation of effectiveness and implementation challenges.
Recommendations for further research:
Primary data collection: Future research may include primary data collection to better
understand the food price crisis and its consequences. Evaluation of policy impact: A thorough
evaluation of the effectiveness of various policies, including case studies of successful
interventions, provides important insights.
Conclusion:
Emongor's article is a valuable resource for understanding the complex interrelationship of
factors affecting food affordability and food insecurity in Kenya. This highlights the urgent need
for comprehensive policy responses and provides a solid foundation for research and debate on
how to manage these critical issues.
References
Emongor, R. (n.d.). FOOD PRICE CRISIS AND FOOD INSECURITY IN KENYA.
