World Bank releases food shortage data
According to the latest data released by the World Bank, more people than ever have dipped below the international poverty line, due in large part to an increase in food prices. Almost 44 million more people dropped below the mark in the past year, and another 35 million are in danger of doing so. More than 1 billion people live below the officially recognized poverty line of $1.25 a day.
Prices have dramatically increased internationally for maize, sugar, soybeans and wheat, while many smaller markets are struggling to find affordable fruits, vegetables and cooking oils as well. Skyrocketing costs can be attributed to, among other things, the rising cost of fuel in the Middle East and Africa, inflation, and the tepid global economy. As is common in times of high food costs, the World Bank has increased its overall aid to the poorest people in the world, and has encouraged subsidies from many nations. Many poorer countries are seeing much higher rates of inflation, especially for food, than more developed nations.
According to the latest data released by the World Bank, more people than ever have dipped below the international poverty line, due in large part to an increase in food prices. Almost 44 million more people dropped below the mark in the past year, and another 35 million are in danger of doing so. More than 1 billion people live below the officially recognized poverty line of $1.25 a day. Prices have dramatically increased internationally for maize, sugar, soybeans and wheat, while many smaller markets are struggling to find affordable fruits, vegetables and cooking oils as well. Skyrocketing costs can...
According to the latest data released by the World Bank, more people than ever have dipped below the international poverty line, due in large part to an increase in food prices. Almost 44 million more people dropped below the mark in the past year, and another 35 million are in danger of doing so. More than 1 billion people live below the officially recognized poverty line of $1.25 a day.
Prices have dramatically increased internationally for maize, sugar, soybeans and wheat, while many smaller markets are struggling to find affordable fruits, vegetables and cooking oils as well. Skyrocketing costs can be attributed to, among other things, the rising cost of fuel in the Middle East and Africa, inflation, and the tepid global economy. As is common in times of high food costs, the World Bank has increased its overall aid to the poorest people in the world, and has encouraged subsidies from many nations. Many poorer countries are seeing much higher rates of inflation, especially for food, than more developed nations.
