Photo : Collected
Ummey Hani, a 50-year-old housemaid residing in Dhaka, is facing the harsh reality of rising food prices, which is taking a toll on her physical and mental well-being. When asked about her predicament, she responded with a sigh, "I am unable to maintain a proper diet as the prices of essential food items have skyrocketed. I haven't purchased fish or meat in months, instead resorting to whichever vegetables are relatively cheaper at the time, along with reducing the amount of food I eat. This shift in my diet has left me feeling weak and has significantly disrupted my ability to work regularly."
It is not just Hani who is suffering; countless individuals in urban areas are confronted with similar challenges. She is just one of many urban Bangladeshis grappling with the consequences of soaring food costs, which have turned basic sustenance into a luxury. The rising cost of food staples has created a vicious cycle where people are forced to compromise on the quality and quantity of their meals, leading to health problems and reduced productivity. For a nation striving for progress and prosperity, this is a formidable obstacle.
Over the past decade (2013–2023), the average food inflation rate in Bangladesh stood at 6.68%. This figure reached its peak at 12.56 percent in October 2023, marking an all-time high, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
The rising food prices are not only an economic challenge but a profound threat to the physical and mental health of urban Bangladeshis. The repercussions of escalating food prices on physical health are profound, particularly for vulnerable segments of the population, including older adults, low-income households, and children.
One of the most prominent impacts of rising food prices is the reduced availability of nutritious foods. As the cost of essential food items continues to climb, access to healthier options becomes increasingly limited. This scarcity of nutritious food choices makes urban Bangladeshis vulnerable to severe, long-term health consequences, including a higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and malnutrition, particularly among those who are unable to afford more wholesome alternatives [2]. In her statement, dietitian Atia Rahman expressed her concerns about the food choices that people are increasingly obligated to make. She remarked, "The rising cost of nutritious foods, particularly vegetables and eggs, is forcing many people to make sacrifices in terms of the quality and quantity of their meals. Choosing cheaper alternatives may appear to be a short-term economic answer, but it comes at the sacrifice of long-term health. The nutritional integrity of our meals is critical to our general well-being, and a shift towards less expensive but less nourishing options can have serious ramifications for our health."
Food insecurity is another distressing consequence of soaring food prices. It is assumed that when a household needs to spend more than 25% of its disposable income on healthy food, the family members may experience “food stress” and are vulnerable to food insecurity As individuals and families in urban areas are stretched by the economic strain, they are finding themselves forced to reduce their food intake or resort to less healthy, cheaper options. This compromise in dietary quality is leading to further health issues as people struggle to maintain the nutritional balance necessary for their well-being.
Low-income households with children, in particular, face an elevated risk of low food security (LFS) and very low food security (VLFS). This vulnerability not only undermines their physical health but also takes a toll on the emotional and psychological aspects of their lives, perpetuating a cycle of adversity. For children, the impact of rising food prices is particularly concerning. Compromised growth and cognitive development, along with macro and micronutrient deficiencies, pose substantial risks. Moreover, the threat of infant and maternal mortality looms large, compounding the challenges faced by families struggling to cope with the economic strain.
The consequences of escalating food prices extend beyond nutritional concerns to affect a wide array of health conditions among the urban population. Vulnerable individuals and families face an increased susceptibility to various diseases and health problems [6]. Poor nutrition weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses that could otherwise be repelled by a balanced diet. Concurrently, compromised oral health becomes prevalent as the affordability of nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables diminishes, contributing to dental problems that can exacerbate overall health concerns. Beyond immediate health risks, the long-term consequences are equally alarming. The link between inadequate nutrition and chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, and chronic pain is well-established. The strain of making ends meet with limited resources takes a toll not only on physical health but also on mental and emotional well-being.
The consequences of these surging food prices extend far beyond the realm of physical health. The stress and anxiety resulting from financial strain are inflicting significant harm on the mental well-being of urban Bangladeshis. The struggle to provide adequately for oneself and one's family engenders feelings of powerlessness and desolation, thereby contributing to an escalating mental health crisis within urban communities.
Take the case of Mr. Bazlur Rahman, an employee at a private organization. He is wrestling with a deep sense of despair as he finds himself unable to provide his family with the nourishing meals they deserve. In his own words, he confides, "My youngest daughter is still a child, and she cannot comprehend the relentless rise in food prices. It breaks my heart to see her disheartened when we gather to share a meal, and her tears are a painful reminder of my inability to provide for my family. I feel like I have failed as a father." Mr. Rahman's story is a poignant example of the emotional turmoil that many urban Bangladeshis are currently enduring due to the unrelenting increase in food costs.
This emotional anguish extends to countless families across urban areas who, like Mr. Rahman, are struggling with the cruel reality of financial constraints and their emotional toll. The deteriorating mental health of urban citizens is a blunt reminder that addressing this issue is not only about nourishing bodies but also about preserving the emotional and psychological well-being of the community.
The challenges brought about by the escalating food prices in urban Bangladesh necessitate a comprehensive strategy that considers both immediate relief measures and sustained, long-term initiatives to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of the population.
To begin with, the government plays a pivotal role in implementing subsidised food programmes and income support measures. These interventions are crucial to ensuring that essential food items remain within reach for low- and middle-income individuals. Simultaneously, market stabilisation policies become imperative to prevent abrupt fluctuations in prices, offering stability to consumers.
Education becomes a key component in addressing the issue. Nutrition education campaigns can empower the urban population with knowledge about affordable yet healthy food choices. Public health initiatives should complement these efforts, focusing on preventive measures and early intervention to mitigate the health risks associated with compromised diets.
Community-driven solutions are equally essential. Community gardens and food banks act as local initiatives that bridge the affordability and nutrition gap. These not only provide access to fresh produce but also foster a sense of community resilience.
Recognising the psychological toll of food insecurity, mental health support services must be integrated into the overall strategy. Coping mechanisms, counselling, and community support can assist individuals in navigating the emotional challenges associated with uncertain access to food.
Collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charitable institutions extends the reach of assistance programs. These partnerships can facilitate the efficient distribution and implementation of support measures, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it the most.
Moreover, addressing the root causes of rising food prices requires a long-term perspective. Investments in agriculture and job creation contribute to economic development, creating a more stable foundation for the overall food supply chain. Government-led efforts in price monitoring and rapid response mechanisms are indispensable to prevent disruptions and ensure the continuous availability of food resources.
Continuous research and data analysis should guide evidence-based policies, ensuring that interventions are targeted, effective, and adaptable to the evolving dynamics of the urban landscape. In conclusion, tackling the threat of rising food prices in urban Bangladesh demands a coordinated, sustained effort that combines immediate relief measures with initiatives focused on affordability, nutrition, and emotional well-being for all.
The writers are Research Assistant and CEO at Eminence Associates for Social Development
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