In-depth: A global food crisis

Despite recent violence, many in Yemen are more concerned about making ends meet (file photo)

Yemen's struggle is bread not bombs

SANA’A, 22 May 2012 (IRIN) - A devastating suicide bomb in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, may have grabbed international media headlines and highlighted known security problems, but ordinary people are quietly fighting more mundane battles to make ends meet.

Three months after Yemen’s new government took office, frustration is growing, with people in Sana’a saying the pace of economic reform is not fast enough. full report

FRONTLINE REPORTS

Increased hunger

GAMBIA: Small country with a big crisis
SUDAN: Feeling the pinch
MALAWI: Urban poor hit by slew of price increases
GLOBAL: Thai rice policy sows worldwide uncertainty

Where to watch prices

Against a global background of steadily climbing food prices, IRIN lists a selection of websites that offer some useful insights into how, why and where food is becoming more expensive.
full report

Rising aid costs

SAHEL: Act now to avoid another crisis, say aid agencies
LESOTHO: A mountain of challenges
BURKINA FASO: WFP expands food voucher distribution
GLOBAL: Winds of change in US food aid policy?

Health affected

SWAZILAND: Diets downsized by financial crisis
MADAGASCAR: Stunted children means stunted lives
INDONESIA: No rice, no way
FOOD: Hunger dips but not by much

Reduced growth

GLOBAL: Economic slowdown to push 100m into poverty
INDONESIA: Poor hit hard as fuel prices rise
NEPAL: Agricultural reform “would boost food security"
VIETNAM: Rising inflation hurting poor, undermining poverty gains

Threat of unrest

UGANDA: Government "won't budge on food prices"
EASTERN AFRICA: Consumers, traders feel the burn as prices skyrocket
CHAD: Prices hike, teachers strike
COMOROS: Concerns over possible social unrest

Film - Kenya's Unga Revolution

Throughout 2011, Kenyans have battled with rising prices of food and fuel, especially unga, or maize flour, the staple food for millions. IRIN's new film, Kenya's Unga Revolution, follows activist Emily Kwamboka as she takes to the streets to demand the government do something to help address the plight of ordinary Kenyans.

Government intervention