Civil Conflicts and Household Food Expenditure Patterns

Civil conflicts disrupt household livelihoods and food systems, reshaping expenditure patterns and consumption choices. In Ghana and neighboring regions, conflict exposure reduces household income and forces shifts toward cheaper staples. This study investigates how conflict influences household food expenditure patterns, situating conflict as a driver of nutritional vulnerability. The broader challenge is that conflict impacts are long-lasting, reducing dietary diversity and undermining resilience. Households exposed to violence often face displacement, loss of assets, and reduced access to markets. This research highlights the need for conflict-sensitive food policies and humanitarian interventions.

Conflict incidence data was combined with household expenditure surveys to assess shifts in food consumption and spending. Econometric models measured the impact of conflict exposure on expenditure patterns, controlling for income and demographics. Qualitative interviews captured household coping strategies, including reliance on cheaper staples and reduced dietary diversity. Comparative analysis was conducted between conflict-affected and non-affected households. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.