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Improving Market Access Through Commodity Exchanges

Mar 29th, 2012 • by Sara Gustafson

For many poor rural farmers, getting their products to market is one of the most daunting obstacles they face. Markets in developing countries often have weak integration, characterized by a lack of communication and information-sharing; thus, while markets in one region may offer higher prices for a commodity, farmers in other regions have no way of learning about, and taking advantage of, these price differences.

How Do Rising Food Prices Affect Men and Women Differently?

Dec 8th, 2011 • by Sara Gustafson

With the price of basic food items on the rise, global policymakers are again faced with the need to protect the world’s most vulnerable populations. Women and young children tend to be most negatively impacted by sharp increases in the price of food. However, while extensive research has been conducted on the causes and consequences of the 2007-08 food price crisis, little of that research has focused specifically on the impact of the crisis on women, and whether the impact differs for women compared to men.

FEWS NET Releases Latest Global Price Watch

Oct 3rd, 2011 • by Sara Gustafson

FEWS NET has released its Global Price Watch for September 2011, citing continuing high prices in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Africa's newest nation, South Sudan, is also facing increased prices on some staple goods due to conflict and trade restrictions. Global rice prices saw a moderate upswing, due in part to Thailand's new rice price subsidy.

View the full report and the annex

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full report
annex

 

Tracking the Horn of Africa Food Security Crisis

Aug 11th, 2011 • by Sara Gustafson

After two consecutive seasons of poor rainfall, the Horn of Africa is experiencing the region's worst drought in 60 years. Drought conditions have led to widespread crop failure and livestock deaths, as well as increasing food prices. Somalia now faces famine conditions in the southern part of the country.

Comprehensive FAO GIEWS Resources for Horn of Africa Drought and Food Security Crisis

Aug 5th, 2011 • by Sara Gustafson

Keep up to date on the latest reports from FAO GIEWS on the ongoing food security crisis in the Horn of Africa. This page will be regularly updated with new information and resources released by GIEWS.

Drought-related Food Insecurity: A Focus on the Horn of Africa
(English)

Famine Thresholds Surpassed in Somalia
(English)

Latest GIEWS Country Brief for Ethiopia
(English)

Latest GIEWS Country Brief for Somalia
(English)

Image Source: World Bank