Since 2023, Ethiopia has been grappling with a substantial increase in the price of teff, its staple cereal.
Teff is a tiny, gluten-free grain, known for its high nutritional value and use in traditional dishes like injera.
Prices in major cities like Addis Ababa have soared, with a quintal of teff reaching over 7,000 birr and up to 10,000 birr in some areas.
This surge has made teff unaffordable for many, leading to significant food insecurity.
The price hike is attributed to several factors.
Firstly, the devaluation of the birr, common among African currencies, has been exacerbated by global events like the Ukraine war and rising U.S. interest rates.
Rising fertilizer and fuel costs and regional conflicts like the Tigray war and recent Amhara clashes have also disrupted farming activities.
Farmers have accused authorities of hoarding teff, contributing to market shortages.
Blockades at checkpoints and market manipulation by brokers have also been identified as causes for the supply shortfall.
Urban cooperative unions face challenges buying teff from farmers, who are reluctant to sell at government-set prices that don’t cover rising production costs.
This situation has led to an alarming rate of food inflation, reported at 33.6% in January 2023.
The government’s shift towards wheat as a cost-effective alternative has made Ethiopia Sub-Saharan Africa’s top wheat producer, harvesting 7 million tonnes in 2022.
The Ethiopian government, facing over 20 million of its citizens in food insecurity, continues to explore solutions.
However, addressing the rising cost of living and persistent price inflation remains a pressing issue.
Background
Neighboring countries reliant on Ethiopian teff now face their food security challenges.
Ethiopia’s inflation impacts regional economies, potentially escalating food prices across borders.
Meanwhile, domestic urban migration might rise as rural dwellers seek better opportunities in cities.
In the long term, the crisis could catalyze essential agricultural reforms. Modernization and improved resource management might emerge as priorities.
As Ethiopia explores crop diversification, cultural shifts in dietary habits are possible. This situation underscores the need for stable, resilient agricultural systems.
The government now faces immense pressure to stabilize the teff market. Ensuring national stability and regional food security hinges on effective, responsive strategies.
The path forward involves immediate relief and strategic planning for a sustainable agricultural future.