The Jollof Index is a metric developed by Nigerian research firm SBM Intelligence that measures food inflation by tracking the cost of ingredients used to prepare Jollof rice, a popular West African dish.[1][2][3] The index is compiled using data collected from various markets in Nigeria and Ghana on a monthly basis, providing valuable insights into food inflation trends in West Africa. The index is used to monitor changes in food prices and understand their impact on households and the economy.
It tracks the cost of ingredients used to prepare Jollof rice, providing insights into food inflation trends in West Africa.[4] The index is compiled using data collected from various markets in Nigeria and Ghana on a monthly basis, and as a result, provides valuable insights into the impact of food price changes on households and the economy. Because food is often the largest expense for Nigerian families, accounting for two-thirds of the household expenses, the Jollof index tracks a major expense category.[5]
The index was first published in 2015.[6] It focuses on West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana,[7] and can be used to track differences between different areas of the country, e.g., if the price goes up in Lagos but down in a different area.[6]
The Jollof Index is updated monthly, allowing for timely tracking of changes in food prices and their impact on the economy. It provides longitudinal information, e.g., showing that the price of one pot of Jollof increased by 60% between October 2016 and October 2019.[5]
