RESOURCES

RISING FOOD PRICES WHAT SHOULD BE DONE? By Joachim von Braun. International Food Policy Research Institute Policy Brief, April 2008. The sharp increase in food prices over the past couple of years has raised serious concerns about the food and nutrition situation of poor people in developing countries, about inflation, and -- in some countries -- about civil unrest. World agriculture is facing new challenges that, along with existing forces, pose risks for poor people's livelihoods and food security. The paper calls for policy action to meet the short- and medium-term needs of the poor; to encourage investment in agriculture to address the long-term problem of boosting supply; and reforms to trade-distorting biofuel policies. Available online at http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/bp/bp001.asp.

ACCRA 2008: THE BUMPY ROAD TO AID EFFECTIVENESS IN AGRICULTURE. By Lidia Cabral. Overseas Development Institute, April 2008. The author argues that although the principles of the Paris Declaration to improve the effectiveness of aid are sound, they are not adaptable to challenges faced by different development sectors such as agriculture. The paper sets out areas requiring focused attention in the run-up to Accra 2008. Available online at http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/nrp/NRP114.pdf.