This paper which forms part of a series of studies conducted in Pakistan under the Life at a Time of Food
Price Volatility. The project was initiated as a response to the global food and fuel price crises and their
manifestations in various national economies since around 2008. In Pakistan the major price hikes
occurred in the fiscal years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 (Figure 1). The impact of the ensuing price
volatility was examined in Pakistan through in-depth case studies of 20 households – 10 each in rural and
urban areas – over a period of three years (2012, 2013 and 2014).