In 2009, the global food crisis is likely to add another 100 million people to the list of those living in extreme poverty.

The Horn of Africa countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda are being severely impacted by the global food crisis, with millions of people in the region in need of urgent food aid. Many other regions and countries around the world are also experiencing a sudden spike in hunger. Here are some reasons why:

• High oil prices have increased the costs of producing and transporting food.
• Climate change and global warming have been linked to more frequent, widespread and intense droughts leading to increased crop failure.
• Increased biofuel production from food crops has resulted in higher prices for staples like maize, rice and wheat.
• Export restrictions on food and reduced grain stocks have contributed to higher prices.
• Dramatic economic growth in China, India and other developing countries has resulted in higher demand for food and energy.
• Population growth means that more food is needed. On the flip side, increasing urbanisation means that far fewer people are growing their own food.
• Speculation by investors in food and industrial commodities markets in recent years has added to price rises.
• Agricultural productivity is declining and this has been linked to factors such as the declining availability of water for irrigation and higher petroleum prices.

And on top of all this the global economic recession will result in reduced incomes and employment in developeing countries, pushing more people deeper into poverty.

No matter how complex and interrelated the causes of hunger and malnutrition, World Vision is dedicated to finding a way through the maze, and offering real and lasting solutions to children, their families and their communities in need worldwide.