Rising Food Prices and Political Pressure

Food prices and other commodities are rising. Consequently, policy makers in many countries are considering short and long term approaches to make food prices affordable. The measures range from food subsidies for consumers to incentives for farmers to increase food production. The situation is more pressing on the African continent, where governments are under tremendous political pressure from their citizens. Some are working to satisfy demand and lower prices. Others are giving pay raises to civil servants and deepening tariffs on food imports. The nexus between political violence and food shortage or insecurity is a major challenge facing many countries on the continent. Rising food prices and insecurity threatens to undermine the fragile political systems of many Sub-Saharan African countries. A popular uprising in Egypt some years ago against the price of bread comes to the fore. Hence, it behooves political leaders on the continent to start addressing the issue seriously and comprehensively.
A far stronger commitment to emergency food assistance based on better targeting and more sophisticated early warning systems is imperative. Additionally, supporting investment in basic agricultural infrastructure is necessary. This includes both macro and micro levels. Empowering women is also essential in forging tangible solutions to this problem. The rising food prices and its associated ills is a litmus test for the African Union vis-à-vis its capacity to resolve other political stalemates on the continent.