The global food crisis is here

A more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system must be a pillar of any climate agenda. But the barriers should not be underestimated, especially for countries and regions where soil is poor, land has little agricultural value, and other natural resources are limited or degraded.

Louda dam in Burkina Faso where families are struggling to cope with the adverse effects of climate change. Already, extreme weather like heatwaves, floods, and prolonged droughts has triggered shocks to agricultural production and food availability. 

Global food prices are soaring. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index – which covers a basket of basic food commodities (cereals, meat, dairy, vegetable oils, and sugar) – reached an all-time high of 159.7 in March, up from 141.1 the previous month. 

While it declined slightly in April, to 158.5, ongoing developments – not least Russia’s war in Ukraine – are set to keep driving prices to new highs, with devastating implications for global hunger.