Effect of Coronavirus Pandemic on Food Prices in Nigeria
- Status
- Completed
- AIR approach
- Access, Insight
- FRAME
- Representation and Governance
- Implemented in
What we’re doing
The “Effect of Coronavirus Pandemic on Food Prices in Nigeria” project was a data journalism initiative by Dataphyte that investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food markets, increased food prices, and reduced household purchasing power across Nigeria. The project received a $15,000 grant from the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University (JSK) and Big Local News, with support from the Google News Initiative, as one of 11 projects selected from more than 200 applications across 59 countries.
The project combined market data, food price trends, purchasing patterns, and human-centred storytelling to examine the socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic. It provided data-driven evidence on how disruptions to food markets affected Nigerian households, particularly vulnerable communities, and contributed to worsening food insecurity and inequality.
Evidence that leads to action
Designed to create practical, accountable, and lasting public value.
Generated evidence on the economic impact of COVID-19
The project provided data-driven insights into how the pandemic disrupted food markets and affected food prices and household purchasing power.
Improved understanding of food insecurity
By analysing food price and market trends, the project demonstrated how the pandemic intensified pressures on household access to food.
Highlighted the disproportionate impact on vulnerable households
The reporting brought greater attention to how reduced purchasing power and rising food prices affected households facing socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
Strengthened data-driven journalism in Nigeria
The project demonstrated how rigorous data analysis could be combined with human-centred storytelling to investigate complex socioeconomic issues and communicate their impacts to the public.
Increased public access to evidence on food prices
The project translated market and pricing data into accessible reporting, helping citizens better understand changes in food costs and their wider economic implications.
Supported accountability through evidence
By documenting the effects of the pandemic on food markets and households, the project provided evidence that could inform public discussion and responses to food insecurity and economic hardship.
Strengthened Dataphyte’s capacity for social-impact journalism
The project advanced Dataphyte’s use of data journalism to investigate critical public-interest issues and generate evidence that supports informed decision-making and accountability.
Supported by
John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University (JSK)
Big Local NewsProject moments
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