Food insecurity in Albania and rising prices in North Macedonia

Data from the FAO indicates that approximately 31.8% of Albanians face moderate or severe food insecurity for the 2023–2025 period. While this represents a slight decrease of 1.2 percentage points from the previous year, the rate remains significantly higher than the European average of 7.4% and the Southern European average of 5.8%. Within Albania, 8.3% of the population is classified as facing severe food insecurity, characterized by insufficient food consumption or hunger due to economic constraints.

Health indicators show mixed results. While child physical development delays and obesity rates in children have improved, adult obesity rose to 24.1% in 2024. Additionally, anemia among women aged 15–49 increased to 24.7% in 2023. The cost of a healthy daily diet in Albania has risen to $5.16 (PPP), which is 70% higher than in 2017 and 30% above the European average.

In North Macedonia, experts warn of a new wave of food price increases expected this autumn. Global factors, including droughts, heatwaves, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, are driving up costs for grain, fuel, and fertilizers. Analysts suggest that while fresh produce may see immediate price hikes, staples like bread and pasta could see sustained pressure through early 2027. In response to rising costs, the Macedonian government has approved the ‘School Basket’ measure, mandating price reductions of 10% for wholesale and 15% for retail on essential school supplies to support family budgets.