Food Price Volatility
How do financial markets relate to the volatility of food prices? What are the effects of speculation and hedge funds, and how do we reduce the negative impacts of volatility?
Rapid and unpredictable changes in food prices are a feature of modern markets. For some, they represent a financial opportunity. For others concerned with the welfare of farmers and consumers of agricultural products, this volatility is a problem – but not everyone agrees on what to do about it.
A workshop at IDS in February 2012 brought together researchers, activists, those working in international institutions and financial actors to discuss new evidence and possible responses. This section of the website hosts responses, reflections and materials from FAC researchers and others interested in this crucial issue.
Latest articles
Video: food prices – what should be done?
February 11, 2012 / Food Price Volatility There is widespread agreement that poor people are most affected by volatility of food prices. But what should be done about it? In these short videos, made at a workshop at the Institute of Development Studies in February 2012, participants
Food price volatility: debating causes and consequences
February 8, 2012 / Food Price Volatility Following our workshop on food price volatility on 6 February 2012, three participants have reflected on the big debates: why it matters, who is to blame and what should be done. Stephen Spratt, Research Fellow in the Institute of Development