Despite international initiatives food inflation worsening in Africa

At the close of 2022, between September to December, food prices soared around the world and with no signs of this abating in 2023, countries in Africa will have to move with speed to mitigate a looming food crisis.  Food inflation is particularly pronounced and severe in low-income and middle-income countries. According to most recent sector reports, up to 94.1% of low-income countries around the world suffer food inflation. With increasing food prices, the cost of living is increasing, and it is no better in lower-middle-income countries of which 92.9% are contending with food inflation. Also Read: Starvation, death threaten Horn of Africa stability  Even the upper-middle-income countries are also facing food inflation with 89% reporting unprecedented double-digit inflation.  According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), maize prices in December 2022 went up by 27% while wheat shot up 13% higher compared to the same period in 2021. As we start the year, the IMF report shows maize and rice prices are 8% and 13% higher than in January 2022, respectively. Global food prices are expected to go higher on the backdrop of ongoing war and increased energy costs.  The Russia-Ukraine war continues to make global markets unstable. Trade restrictions