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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that acute food
insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 18 hunger hotspots,
including a total of 17 countries or territories and one regional
cluster which comprises 4 countries, during the outlook period from
June to October 2024. Mali, Palestine, South Sudan and the Sudan
remain at the highest concern level. Haiti was added to the list of
countries/territories of highest concern due to escalating violence
by non-state armed groups (NSAGs).

As the year draws to a close, commodity markets have quieted down from the more volatile price movements that have characterized the past two years. With the exception of rice, prices for most grains and oilseeds are 15 to 20 percent below January 2022 levels. Yet, even rice prices have fallen back from recent highs as global production prospects look more favorable than they did in late summer. Despite a slowing global economy, demand for agricultural
products remains strong and is expected to hit record levels in the 2023/24 marketing season. Lower prices mean reduced profitability for grain and oilseed farmers though lower costs for fuel and fertilizer will help mitigate that impact.