2011
Food Price Spikes (August 2, 2011)
In some countries of the global South, people spend up to 80% of their household income on food, making them especially vulnerable during food price instability. This interactive map by Oxfam allows viewers to see the causes and impacts of fluctuating food prices in 22 countries. The map shows that rising food prices over the last decade have affected poorer countries disproportionately, often leading to civil unrest. In order to tackle food crises, Oxfam argues we must look at the causes of price volatility, reform bad policies and preserve scarce resources. (Oxfam)
World Food Price Index (January 2011)
The data in this index shows monthly and annual food price movement from 1990 to 2010, reflecting the rapid price increases of 2008 and 2010-2011.
2010
Annual Commodities Price Indices 2001-2010
These tables and charts make use of the official FAO Food Price Indexes. They document world prices for several primary food commodities as well as a general food price indexes.
2009
Charts on Agriculture and Climate Change
This collection of charts examines the effects of agriculture on climate change. Sources include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and World Bank. Click here to see the rest of the charts.
Populations Are Expanding Fastest in Regions Where it Is Most Difficult to Grow Food (July 21, 2008)
The world's population is expected to reach 9 billion before 2050. This New York Times map shows that countries in North Africa and the Middle East have the fastest population growth rates. In the face of expanding populations, countries in this region face the challenge of growing food in an arid climate and preserving their depleting water supplies.
The Cost of Food: Facts and Figures (March 10, 2008)
This BBC compilation points out various reasons for a rapid increase in food prices, such as population growth, increased meat consumption and biofuel production. In the course of 2007, the price of wheat increased by 130 percent. Price rises will continue to pose problems to food security. The world population is set to increase from 6 billion to nine billion over the next 50 years, and scarcity will further drive up food prices.
Countries Most at Riskfrom High Food Prices (2008)
This map shows the countries that are most at risk from high food prices. The level of risk ranges from high to low. The majority of countries at high risk are in Africa. (World Food Programme)
