Rising food prices in South Asia : a policy framework to mitigate adverse effects

Abstract

The recent commodity boom has seriously affected South Asia, particularly due to higher food prices and their impact on the welfare of poor and vulnerable populations. This paper describes the food crisis and its effect on the region and then goes on to outline policies that countries in the region need to put in place in order to mitigate the risks associated with the adverse effects of the commodity boom. National policies, as well as regional and global level cooperation efforts are needed to improve agricultural productivity and reduce speculative activities that threaten food price stability in South Asia.