1221. Recent World Food Security Events

Here is the latest food security event according to the World Bank blog.

Conflicts and weather-related events continue to cause food insecurity in various countries. The unprecedented food and nutrition crisis continues to occur due to the large-scale influx of refugees, economic collapse, the collapse of basic social services, severe social disruption, and limited humanitarian assistance caused by the conflict in Sudan, with approximately 25 million people (half the population) facing severe food insecurity and starvation.

Domestic food price inflation remains high in many low-income countries. Based on information for the most recent months for which food price inflation data is available, from November 2024 to February 2025, inflation above 5% is occurring in 78.9% of low-income countries (up 5.2% since the last update on 14 February 2025), 50% of lower-middle-income countries (down 2.2%), 34% of upper-middle-income countries (down 2.0%), and 10.9% of high-income countries (down 4.8%). In real terms, food price inflation exceeded overall inflation in 56% of the 168 countries for which data is available.

According to the March 2025 edition of the AMIS Market Monitor, crop conditions are generally good in most parts of the world, but there are concerns in some regions, particularly for maize in South America, where above-average temperatures are forecast, increasing the risk of heat stress during the crop's reproductive development. Maize prices have already increased significantly from expectations, with February 2025 prices about 25% higher than February 2024. Wheat production is forecast to grow slowly in 2025, and uncertainties over international trade relations may affect market trends. Rice prices have hit their lowest in two years, reflecting a combination of factors including the expansion of production areas and favorable weather.

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki, Information Program