London, U.K. (AHN) - United Nations World Food Program (WFP) head Josette Sheeran warns that the agency is already taking precautionary measures by rationing food aid to address worldwide food shortage and the increasing commodity prices which is expected to continue up to 2010.
She said that millions of the world's poorest people will buy less food, less nutritious food or be forced to depend on aid if no concrete action is taken.
WFP latest data showed that prices of some food rose by up to an unprecedented 40 percent last year in many nations citing that the escalating energy and grain costs, the effects of climate change and demand for biofuel are primarily responsible for the soaring prices.
The agency head said global food reserves were at their lowest level in 30 years, which is good for only 53 days, compared with 169 days in 2007.
After briefing the European Parliament, Sheeran warned that the problem "is not a short-term bubble and will definitely continue." She stressed further that WFP needed an extra $375 million (244m euros; ?187 million) for food projects this year and $125 million (81m euros; ?93million) to transport it.
Meanwhile, a special BBC coverage online, on radio and on TV will be aired on Tuesday March 11, to highlight serious concerns on food shortage affecting millions of people from 40 countries worldwi
