food prices

Since March 2015, more than three million Yemenis have fled their homes, displaced by ongoing conflict. This paper sets out what they are facing and what governments, armed parties and agencies must do to help them get back on their feet and reduce the chance of an entrenched, long-lasting crisis.

In most of sub-Saharan Africa, maize is a staple food crop. This paper explores some of the reasons why maize markets fail and argues that a major reason is because there is so little trust or cooperation between governments and private traders.

South Africa is facing its smallest maize harvest since 2007 this year as record-high temperatures and drought continue to hit its agricultural sector. According the government’s Crop Estimates Committee, only 7.44 million tons of maize is likely to be harvested in 2016 - that’s 25 percent less than the 9.94 million tons reaped.

The Netherlands is No. 1 in the world for having the most plentiful, nutritious, healthy and affordable diet, beating France and Switzerland into second place. Chad is last in 125th spot behind Ethiopia and Angola, according to a new food database by worldwide development organization Oxfam.

Local food reserves can contribute to food security strategies and have the potential to empower communities.

Despite overwhelming evidence about the negative link between biofuels and food security, countries refused to take action on policies fueling land grabs, prices spikes and hunger.

Little will be done to curb harmful food speculation today as EU finance ministers meet to approve their position on the new Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) – which sets new regulations for financial markets. According to a broad coalition of environmental and development organizations, loopholes in the legislation will render it ineffective to prevent food speculation, and the resulting food price spikes that hit the poorest the hardest.

How can low carbon development be pursued without making inequality and food insecurity worse?

Today, the European Commission published its first Communication on the impact of EU biofuels policy on food security and land rights in developing countries.

A serious food security crisis is developing in the Gao region of northern Mali due to a shortage of cereals on the market, rocketing food prices and restricted access. An Oxfam survey has found that up to 80 per cent of adults have reduced their daily food intake, in order to allow their children to eat at least twice a day.