In a recent study conducted by international humanitarian organization ActionAid, it has been revealed that the ongoing food and energy crisis, stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has led to a significant escalation in the cost of living in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Bangladesh, in particular, has experienced substantial increases in various essential commodities, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups.
The study found that in Bangladesh, fertilizer prices have skyrocketed by 105%, while sugar prices have surged by 60%. Additionally, petrol prices have risen by 47%, and even the cost of sanitary pads has increased by 23%. These price hikes have posed numerous challenges, with women, girls, and children being particularly hard-hit. The report highlights how this situation has resulted in compromised education, nutrition, and overall health for these communities.
The study involved a survey of over 1,000 community members and leaders across 14 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It revealed that fertilizer prices have surged by more than 115% during the monitoring period, while petrol and sanitary pad costs have risen by 80% or more. Consequently, child marriage rates have soared, women’s health has deteriorated, and mental health conditions have worsened. These distressing trends persist despite the recent 11.7% decline in global food prices, as reported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index since February 2022.
Alberta Guerra, Global Policy Analyst for ActionAid, emphasizes the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations worldwide, particularly women and girls. She points out that these groups bear the brunt of surging food, fuel, and fertilizer prices, facing multiple crises that affect their food security, education, freedom from child marriage, and mental well-being.
The report sheds light on the intersecting challenges faced by Bangladesh, including climate disasters, the Ukraine-Russia war, the COVID-19 pandemic, debt stress, and currency depreciation. Climate disasters, COVID-19, and the invasion of Ukraine are cited as the most significant factors exacerbating the situation.
Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, highlights the far-reaching impact of fuel price instability on various sectors, especially food, which disproportionately affects women and marginalized communities. Kabir points out that the inflation rate of 9.5% reported by Bangladesh Bank does not reflect the harsh reality faced by marginalized communities, who now have to pay nearly double the previous prices for essential food items like rice and eggs. This has led to a significant decline in food consumption, adversely affecting community nutrition. Moreover, the high fuel prices have strained foreign reserves and national expenditure due to the energy sector’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels.
ActionAid advocates for a comprehensive approach and adequate funding to address the interconnected crises exacerbating the price crisis. These include climate change, debt stress, and the profound repercussions of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Urgent adjustments to social protection measures are needed to match the current needs of the community. Encouraging families with children to prioritize and continue education is one recommended measure. Dependency on food imports should be addressed through increased investment in agroecology farming. A just transition to renewable energy and agroecological farming practices is crucial for community resilience against shocks and the climate crisis.
The perception-based survey conducted by ActionAid involved 1,010 community members in 69 communities across the 14 surveyed countries. Women constituted 63% of the respondents. The participants were asked about the current prices of various essential commodities compared to pre-crisis levels, and the impact of these price rises on their lives and communities. The countries included in the survey were Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia
