High Food Price Crisis

The food price spike of 2007-2008 pushed the total number of hungry people to over one billion - 1/6th of the world's population. Since then, food prices have continued an upward trend, reaching an all-time peak in January 2011. In developing countries, these increases mean millions have been pushed into poverty and malnutrition.

The Facts:

Food prices change in response to such things as natural shocks, energy prices, biofuels demand, speculation, and trade policy. Oil price increases affect the price of fertilizers as well as the cost of shipping and transportation. The demand for biofuels such as corn ethanol has increased world demand for particular crops and changed crop distribution. Following the 2008 financial crisis, many investors shifted funds from mortgage markets to agriculture commodities creating another demand shock that increased commodity prices. Additionally, since the 1980s, many countries have moved from being self-sufficient to net food importers. This increases their exposure to supply and price risks instigated abroad.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported a 45% increase in the world food price index during the 2008 food crisis. Wheat prices increased by 130% relative to 2007 levels. Similarly, soy prices went up by 87%, rice prices by 74%, and maize prices by 31%. While the short-term causes of the crisis include weather shocks, increased oil prices, speculation, and growing demand for biofuels, many experts believe trade agreements and agricultural commoditization set the stage for tremendous price increases. Similar reasons are cited for 2011 food crisis, which has sparked riots, protests, and strife around world.

What we are doing about it:

Citizens can work together to change the economic climate that has produced the recent food crises. The Oakland Institute is committed to studying root causes of global food crisis and, through its advocacy and outreach activities, ensure that real solutions find their way into on-the-ground policy.

Continued Price Instability Questions Reliance on Global Food Markets

Frederic Mousseau, OI Policy Director, is the author of the Chapter III of the new World Disaster Report published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This new report warns that the world's poorest people are at serious risk from rocketing food prices and volatile global markets.

Achieving Regional Integration: The Key to Win the Fight Against Hunger in West Africa

Achieving Regional Integration: The Key to Win the Fight Against Hunger in West Africa assesses the relevance and potential of regional institutions and mechanisms in reducing hunger and undernutrition in West Africa - where chronic hunger remains pervasive - decades after the devastating droughts of the 1970s. The report analyzes the role regional institutions have in the fight against hunger and argues that, despite weaknesses, the existence and commitment of regional institutions is key.

The High Food Price Challenge: A Review of Responses to Combat Hunger

High food prices in 2007-2008 threatened the livelihoods and food security of billions of people worldwide for whom getting enough food to eat was already a daily struggle. All over the world, individuals, civil society groups, governments and international organizations took action to cope with the crisis triggered by skyrocketing food prices.