Rising price have raised fears of food shortages across West Africa.
The problem is largely caused by soaring oil prices – which have increased transport costs – and an explosion in demand for biofuels by energy-guzzling Western countries. Spiralling food prices, combined with increased desertification and child malnutrition, are making life more difficult for the region's rural poor, says the World Food Programme. In desperation, people are taking to the streets to protest in countries like Mauritania.
