International fertilizer benchmark prices have risen throughout 2021, with many quotations reaching all- time highs. The most notable increases have been registered for nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Prices for urea, a key N fertilizer, have more than trebled over the past 12 months, e.g., nominal quotations for black sea spot prices (bulk) have risen from USD 245/tonne in November 2020 to USD 901/tonne in November 2021 (Figure 1), with much of...

Prices of all major cereals increased in February. Wheat and coarse grain prices were pressured upward by supply uncertainties amidst potential disruptions to exports from the Black Sea Region. Crop condition concerns in South America continued to lend support to maize prices. Although international rice prices also edged up during February, they remained below their year-earlier levels. In most of West Africa, prices of coarse grains continued to increase and...

FAO assesses that globally 44 countries, including 33 in Africa, nine in Asia and two in Latin America and the Caribbean, are in need of external assistance for food. Conditions are projected to worsen significantly in West Africa, due to conflicts, high food prices and reduced harvests, while the situation is alarming in East Africa. Humanitarian needs are foreseen to also increase in Southern Africa in late 2022 due to...

This statistical report contains a subset of CCBS data and presents updated cereal supply and demand balances for all sub-Saharan African countries. It complements the information of the FAO/GIEWS Crop Prospects and Food Situation report and is published four times a year with the same schedule. This report is based on information available as of February 2022.

Wheat export prices eased in January, reflecting increased seasonal availability from large Southern Hemisphere harvests. By contrast, international maize prices were firmer, mostly underpinned by concerns over dry conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. International rice prices also edged up, as main crop harvests drew to a close and purchases by Asian buyers lent them support. In most of West Africa, prices of coarse grains increased or remained stable, in spite...

Acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 20 countries or situations – hunger hotspots – in the next months. Organized violence or conflict remain the primary drivers, followed by weather extremes and climate variability. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt economies. High food prices and low household purchasing power are major economic concerns for food insecurity rising. The report provides country-specific recommendations on priorities for emergency response and...

Prices of cereals and other imported basic food products started to surge in September 2021 and reached record highs in January 2022. Price increases are mainly driven by a significant depreciation of the national currency. The high prices have negatively affected the ability of vulnerable households to access food.