This research paper looks at the crisis in international agricultural markets during the last decade and draws out some lessons. Although crop prices continue to be volatile, the bout of high prices/high volatility ended by 2015. The initial rapid rise of prices was not predicted, and surprised both market players and the international community more broadly. Considerable policy attention was focused on the crisis – by the UN broadly, by...

Widespread drought severely affects crops and rangelands in East Africa and food insecurity is expected to significantly deteriorate by early 2017 Major areas of concern are central and southern Somalia, South-Eastern Ethiopia, northern and eastern Kenya, northern and eastern United Republic of Tanzania and South-Eastern Uganda Sharply increasing prices of cereals and livestock products constrain food access for large numbers of households Recurrent climatic shocks have undermined household resi lience...

International wheat prices showed mixed trends in November but remained below their year-earlier levels on account of ample global supplies. Those of maize were relatively stable with the downward pressure from expectations of bumper crops offset by strong import demand. New crop arrivals and sluggish demand kept quotations of rice generally under pressure. In East Africa, cereal prices increased in most countries and were at levels well above those a...

The report provides a review of the food situation by geographic region, a section dedicated to the LIFDCs and a list of countries requiring external assistance for food.

Statistical report presenting cereal supply and demand balance for current year in sub-Saharan African countries. This report is based on information available as of November 2016.

A joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Mission (CFSAM) visited the Syrian Arab Republic between 15 June and 1 July 2016 to estimate crop production and assess the overall food security situation.

International wheat and maize prices increased slightly in October, underpinned by strong import demand. However, ample global supplies and expectations of bumper crops kept average prices below their year-earlier levels. By contrast, quotations of rice continued to decline, as a result of new crop harvest and weak import demand. In Central America and the Caribbean, maize and bean prices continued to decline significantly with the new harvest, particularly in Honduras...

In mid-October, the Philippines was struck by two typhoons in close succession, Sarika, a Category 4 event on 16 October and Haima, a Category 5 event on 19 October. Central and northern parts of Luzon were the most affected areas. Strong winds, heavy rains and localized floods caused the loss of life and severe damage to the agriculture sector, including losses of the main staple rice paddy crop, as well...