United Nations conference offers derisory level of aid for millions hit by food prices

The price of grain has nearly doubled in the last year and the price of rice has tripled over the last five years, from approximately $600 a ton to more than $1,800 a ton. The price of oil, which has risen 75 percent in the past year, has driven up the cost of transport, farming and fertiliser production. For a third of the worlds population, these huge price rises mean the difference between a sustainable diet and malnutrition.

According to the FAO, 37 countries20 in Africa, 9 in Asia, 6 in Latin America and 2 in eastern Europecurrently face exceptional shortfalls in food production and supplies. Protests have erupted around the world. Political unrest linked to food markets has developed in Morocco, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Guinea, Mauritania and Senegal.

The government of Haiti was forced out in a no-confidence vote after several days of protests against rising food prices that left at least five people dead and saw crowds attempt to storm the presidential palace.

Riots broke out in Mexico after tortilla prices rose by 60 percent, and in Italy the rising cost of pasta prompted nationwide protests.