Attachments
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The full-scale war in Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 and quickly led to hostilities in the frontline and bordering (FLB) oblasts (regions) in the south and eastern part of the country, as well as in the northern region near the border with the Russian Federation. These FLB oblasts (including Chernihivska, Sumska, Kharkivska, Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Zaporizka, Khersonska, Mykolaivska, Odeska, and Luhanska oblast) accounting for over 95 percent of the recorded conflict events, have suffered the most direct infrastructural damage, displacement, and economic devastation. This study provides an in-depth analysis of food security and livelihoods in the FLB oblasts, with a particular focus on agricultural livelihoods.
For households in the FLB oblasts, food remains a top concern, with 38 percent of the households identifying it as a priority need. Across these oblasts, the share of food-insecure households is estimated to be up to one-third. Unsurprisingly, proximity to the frontline plays a significant role—households living within 30 km of the frontline are far more likely to experience food insecurity.
At the macro-level, the war has led to over 25 percent decline in GDP, soaring food prices, and a quadrupling of the poverty rate, with supply chain disruptions and infrastructure destruction worsening food insecurity. Agriculture has been severely impacted, with vast farmlands rendered unusable due to areas being beyond the control of the Government of Ukraine (GoU), mines, and destruction, reducing food production. Labour market distortions are pronounced, with unemployment in frontline oblasts five times higher than in other oblasts, contributing to deepening regional disparities.
Economic hardships persist, exacerbated by the absence of working-age men, leaving many women and elderly individuals to shoulder financial responsibilities. 40 percent of working-age individuals— mainly women—are economically inactive, limiting household earning capacity. As a result, 35 percent of households rely primarily on external income sources such as pensions, social benefits, remittances, or humanitarian cash assistance.
Income has declined over the past year for a third of households, further straining their finances. Financial struggles are evident, with few households surveyed reported being able to afford all their needs, 38 percent of households are in debt, and 67 percent forced to adopt livelihood coping strategies, including cutting essential expenditures on health and education, which undermines long-term well-being.
Agriculture remains a crucial source of food and sustenance, with 82 percent of agricultural households primarily producing for their own consumption. However, the war has significantly reduced agricultural output due to land loss, rising production costs, and labour shortages caused by conscription, in addition to climate change. About 67 percent of agricultural households report urgent needs, particularly for inputs such as seeds (21 percent) and fertilizers or pesticides (15 percent).
Despite the conflict, food retailers remain operational. However, proximity to the frontline significantly impacts accessibility— only about half of households within 30 km of the frontline report functional supermarkets and shops, a notably lower rate than in other areas.
Access to perishable foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and fruits remains a major challenge for the households, with rising energy costs and conflict-related infrastructure damage driving up food prices. Perishable items have become luxury goods for many, disproportionately affecting lower-income households. With 48 percent of households spending more than 50 percent of their income on food, rising prices have forced many to cut back on non-food expenses, further straining household budgets.
Application of negative coping strategies is widespread, with large families, households with unemployed members, and those in the lowest income bracket particularly vulnerable.
The persistence of such strategies underscores the severity of food access challenges in FLB oblasts, where economic hardship and displacement continue to exacerbate household vulnerabilities.
The Ukrainians living in FLB oblasts therefore require continuous humanitarian support.
Households require sustained food and livelihood support, while agricultural support— such as providing seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and greenhouse assistance—can improve household incomes and food production.