- High food prices persist in developing countries despite increased supply of global cereals and sharp declines in international prices. In a recent report, the UN’s Food and Agrictulture Organization (FAO) finds that food emergencies continue to plague 31 countries worldwide. We’re staying on top of this issue thanks to the FAO’s new online tool that tracks food prices in 55 developing countries (via East Asia & the Pacific on the rise).
- Chris Blattman sparked a lively debate by asking whether aid agency staff should fly business class; be sure to scroll down for the comments that follow the post.
- Some suggest that ‘perks’ such as a business class ticket are compensation for the risky environments into which staff are sent: ODI’s Humanitarian Policy Group has found that aid workers are increasingly vulnerable to being kidnapped, killed or seriously injured in violent attacks. In response, some aid agencies are turning to private security contractors for protection. We’re following this trend closely to see how it will impact the delivery and effectiveness of aid.
