International food prices have fallen from their 2008 peaks, but are higher than they were in 2006 and likely to remain volatile. In many developing countries, the cost of staple foods remains stubbornly high. The financial crisis is straining the ability of the poor to cope.

Easing the burden of high food prices at the outset was critical – but more needs to be done. Efforts now need to focus on building farmers’ resilience to future shocks and improving food security over the long term [more].