The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held an event on the occasion of World Food Day under the theme “The Right to Food”, with the aim of addressing the region’s challenges that include ongoing conflicts, economic instability and climate change.
FAO warned in its report that about 282 million people around the world face severe hunger as a result of the negative effects of the climate phenomenon El Nina.
The food price index rose to 124.4 points in September from 120.7 in August, the highest level since July 2023, a 2.1% year-on-year increase.
Sugar prices rose 10.4% month-on-month, due to lower crop expectations in Brazil, as well as concerns that India’s decision to remove restrictions on the use of sugarcane in ethanol production will affect export availability, FAO noted.