Browsing: Global Hunger Initiative

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. Photo/WFO

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

  • Agriculture employs a considerable proportion of the African population and contributes a sizable portion of the continent's GDP
  • In a study issued in February 2022, the Global Hunger Initiative stated that 45 million people in 43 African nations risked starvation
  • Food availability has long been recognized as a crucial factor in achieving long-term economic success

"Economic growth is only sustainable if all nations have food security," says Maximo Torero of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). He states, "Without a country-owned and led food security policy, global, regional, and national economic growth would face challenges and additional expenses."

Food availability has long been recognized as a crucial factor in achieving long-term economic success. Food is also seen as essential to the emotional and physical well-being of people in any community. As a result, any food-insecure society is likely to suffer major human capital issues and, as a result, growth…