Economic crisis and volatility of agricultural prices. Implications for food security in Latin America

Abstract

This article looks into two major areas: The first one explains facets of the international economic crisis and its relationship with a volatile environment of food prices. The second one analyses the influence of unstable food prices on the agro industry in Latin America and sorne effects on food security in the region. It concludes that the world financial system determines the level of volatility in food príces. Also, in Latin America both urban and rural populations are affected by, and have less access to heaIthy foods and food security. Asa result, food security at a regional level is also weakened.