In Global Risks 2008, the Global Risk Network has
focused on four emerging issues which may
fundamentally shape not only the year ahead, but
the decades to come. These issues – systemic
financial risk, food security, supply chains and the
role of energy – are all central to the functioning of
the world economy and to the well-being of global
society. The risks associated with them cannot be
eliminated. But they can be better understood and
better managed.
Systemic financial risk is more...

Rising rice prices are threatening Cambodia's poor despite the country's economic progress.

New buildings are shooting up all over Phnom Penh, modern shopping malls are opening, and more and more cars are crowding the streets of the capital city as the country’s economy continues to grow.

But even in the capital there are numerous street children and families who have to scavenge and beg to make ends meet.

In Cambodia's rural areas the situation is even worse.

"It is absolutely app more...

Extreme winter temperatures, depleting food and fuel stocks, increasing prices, prolonged blackouts at the local
and national levels and limited access to water has pushed almost the entire population of Tajikistan into a
situation of humanitarian concern. While the current energy crisis, and an expected nationwide electricity
blackout beginning in mid-February 2008, predominantly affects urban populations, a series of economic and
environmental shocks over the last two years, compounded by more...

Poor deyr (October to November 2007) rains have exacerbated the extreme food insecurity already present in parts of Somali Region as the dry jilaal season progresses and the peak hunger season sets in.

Continued restrictions on movement and trade; locust infestations; and limited humanitarian access to Warder, Korahe, Fik, Degehabur and Gode zones; combined with drought in 2005/06, flooding in riverine areas in 2006 and 2007, conflict, human and livestock diseases, and record high cereal pric more...

Issued February 8, 2008

FSAU together with FEWS NET Somalia, and forty-five partner agencies have completed the Post Deyr 2007/08 Seasonal Assessment of the Food, Nutrition, and Livelihood Security Situation throughout Somalia. The Special Food Security and Nutrition Brief highlighting the key findings of this assessment has been released.

Click this link to download the full report (.pdf 3 MB)
FSAU/FEWSNET FOOD SECURITY ALERT
Issued March 11, 2008 in collaboration with FEWSNET

Below more...

The Ug99 strain of the killer wheat fungus (stem rust), which recently infected wheat farms in western Iran, is a serious threat to global food security, agricultural scientists have warned. They have said the fungus may affect additional wheat-producing countries.

Mahmoud Solh, director-general of the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), was quoted in a 20 March ICARDA press release as saying that he and his fellow scientists were convinced that Ug99 woul more...

New UN-Water Report: Water Monitoring: Mapping Existing Global Systems & InitiativesGovernments and donors are increasingly called to put in place a uniform and consistent system to monitor the impacts of water-related initiatives. Crucial in this process is mobilizing the required financial resources of donors and lenders, by showing them that the impact of water-related initiatives in poor countries can be reliably assessed and that their impact on human development and environment sustainabil more...

Above-normal rains in northeastern Uganda between July and September caused floods and water logging, leading to crop losses, damage to infrastructure, reduced access and at least one human death. An inter-agency assessment from 28 October to 10 November confirmed that Amuria and Katakwi districts in Teso Region, eastern Uganda, were the most flood-affected areas, due to their flat landscape and low soil permeability. The assessment found that flood impacts were less severe than initially estima more...

With Italian support, FAO launches projects in five of the world’s poorest countries
Rome, 21 January 2008 – A series of projects, launched as part of the FAO Trust Fund for Food Security, will aim to revive agricultural output and create new marketing opportunities for producers in five African countries. This new initiative is financed by a $10 million contribution from the Italian Government.

The project signing ceremony was attended by the Director-General of the Italian Agency for C more...

Excessive rains in southern Zambia since late December have had a devastating impact on infrastructure, particularly roads, bridges, and poorly constructed houses in urban and rural areas in southern and central Zambia. In addition, crops in low lying areas have been washed away, while some fields remain waterlogged or leached of nutrients, resulting in stunted and yellowing crops. This is especially true for the late-planted maize crop. There will be a significant reduction in the main April-Ma more...