As the global prices of commodities skyrocket, many are feeling the impact. But like most shocks to the global economy, the least well-off are hit the hardest.
Many factors contribute to the sharply rising prices of food including climate change, increases in the cost of oil, as well as an increase in US biofuel production.
The sharp increase in food prices have led to violent outbreaks in Haiti:
Crowds of demonstrators in Haiti have tried to storm the presidential palace in the capital Port-au-Prince as protests continue over food prices.
Witnesses say the protesters used metal bins to try to smash down the palace gates before UN troops fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse them.
At least 5 have died and dozens have been wounded in the violent demonstrations that began last week.
For [over a week], parts of Haiti have been erupting into violence triggered by the soaring cost of food.
The prices of rice, beans and fruit have gone up by 50% in the last year.
Earlier this week, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a report saying that the food crisis threatened the Caribbean nation's fragile security.
However, the steep prices and violence are not unique to Haiti. The overall rise in price of food is a global phenomena. Egypt, the Ivory Coast, the Philippines, and India, among others, are experiencing much of the same turmoil as Haiti. Considering gas prices and climate change will only get worse, there is no telling when conditions will improve.
3 comments:
To my understanding, each of the countries listed have the potential to sutain agriculure to feed their populations. What forces being held in place are cause for unequal distribution and disruption?
It's not a shortage of supply or an inability to distribute; its the high prices.
The less affluent cannot afford the food.
Farmers' crops yield less due to bad weather and increased transportation for costs due to rising oil prices.
Additionally, the price of input commodities (seeds, packaging, etc.) have gone up. All of the above factors acting together force the farmer to sell his/her product at a higher price. As wages remain stagnant (or simply do not grow at a comparable rate), many people are unable to afford the food.
It affects meat products as well because beef and pork ranchers must feed their animals grains which now cost 50% more, thus forcing ranchers to raise their prices in turn.
Ahh, yes. Thank you mje.
Could you make a diagnosis and perscribe some remedies, or do you prefer to stick to reporting the issues? Perhpas you already know of some organizations hard at work to combat this serious problem.
Just pickin' your brain.
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