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There are several reasons behind the rising cost of food - increasing oil prices, fertilizer prices, and adverse weather conditions that are affecting crop production are just some of them.
Kgosientso Ramokgopa, JFPM's chief executive blamed biofuel policies, high fuel prices, growing global demand and unfair world trade rules for rising food prices
SKYROCKETING fuel and food prices were putting the lives and livelihoods of many in Africa at risk, delegates at the Freshlink Conference and Expo heard.
They were told that the highest number of countries facing a severe shortage of food was in Africa. Countries such as Lesotho, Somalia and Swaziland were facing an exceptional shortfall in food supply after years of adverse weather, and urgent action was needed to stimulate food production.
The conference was held at the Sandton Convention Centre in northern Johannesburg on 18 and 19 November. It was organised by the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market (JFPM) and the City of Johannesburg.
According to the JFPM's chief executive, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, biofuel policies, high fuel prices, growing global demand - particularly from the large emerging economies of China and India - and unfair world trade rules played a significant part in rising prices.
"On top of this, high oil prices have led to increases in the cost of fertilisers and other farm expenses, which in turn impact heavily on food prices," Ramokgopa said.
A survey conducted by Statistics South Africa shows that the cost of food in general increased by 17 percent between May 2007 and May 2008; the price of vegetables increased by 26,41 percent and that of fresh meat by 12,59 percent.
Help for poor
Khabisi Mosunkutu, the Gauteng MEC of agriculture, conservation and environment, said comprehensive measures were required to address the acute risks facing the poor because of reduced food availability.
"Some of the countries that were traditionally relied upon as major food producers and exporters are no longer able to produce enough food to feed their own communities, let alone export food," Mosunkutu said.
Ronald Ramabulana, of the National Agricultural Marketing Council, said a rise in demand linked to a rise in commodity markets had resulted in a sharp rise in fertiliser prices, with some rising up to five-fold over the last years.
"The unprecedented rise in fertiliser is creating a crisis for poor farmers in developing countries," he said.
To stimulate adequate fertilizer use, measures should be set aside to assist the poorest of the poor, he said.
Other topics discussed at the conference included food safety and quality assurance, agricultural and rural development, and crop insurance. Participants also raised concerns over the lack of access to produce markets, payment delays from marketing agents, and the high costs of transporting produce to market.
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