According to the latest data, the ability of Ukrainians to maintain their own food supply from September 2024 to February 2025 has undergone significant changes. Inflation and seasonal price increases have led to a decrease in the Food Accessibility Index (FAI), which currently stands at 89% of the pre-war level, as reported by KSE.
This is reported by Business • Media
Situation in the Regions of Ukraine
The most significant improvements have been observed in the central and western regions, such as Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, and Rivne, where the index has reached 96% of the January 2022 level. At the same time, in frontline and frequently shelled areas, particularly in Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odesa, the situation remains challenging: the level of food accessibility fluctuates only between 82% and 86% of the January 2022 figure.
Historical Context and Influencing Factors
Before the onset of the full-scale invasion, the average Ukrainian had the ability to purchase 9.5 food baskets. However, just five months into the war, this figure decreased by 19% due to rising prices and a 33% drop in income. During the period of 2023-2024, the FAI showed partial improvement thanks to lower vegetable prices during the harvest season and rising wages amid labor shortages.
The Food Accessibility Index (FAI) reflects the ratio of citizens’ incomes to the cost of a standard food basket, highlighting the importance of this statistic for understanding the overall economic situation in the country.