Global agriculture 2021: a tale of shortages and soaring prices

Famine in Africa worsens due to drought

Drought was a major predictor of commodity prices during 2021, with a number of key production areas around the world harvesting smaller crops of lower quality. Drought has even driven some countries to the brink of starvation, with Somalia and Kenya currently experiencing famine.

In November, the UN reported that Somalia was facing a “fourth, consecutive poor rainfall season”, and that approximately 100 000 people had abandoned their homes in search of food and water. The UN further predicted that by April 2022, “a rapidly worsening drought could lead to an extreme situation, with about 2,3 million people already suffering with serious water, food and pasture shortages”.

According to Al Jazeera, more than 80% of Somalia was now estimated to be experiencing severe drought conditions. Matters were just as dire in northern Kenya, with the region facing a third consecutive season of low rainfall, which could result in 2,4 million people struggling to find food, Al Jazeera