American Drought Could Be a Disaster for Developing Countries

Faustine Wabwire (left) interviewed by VOA-TV about the global impact of the U.S. drought.

by Racine Tucker-Hamilton

Wheat, corn, and soybean prices have risen more than 30 percent since mid June.

Not a big deal, you think? Well, for some families in the developing world it could mean the difference between life and death. Poor people spend 50 to 70 percent of their income on food, and when there is the slightest increase in price it could mean the difference between eating and going hungry.

The current U.S. drought could have a devastating impact not only in this country but around the world. This afternoon, Faustine Wabwire—a senior foreign assistance policy analyst with Bread for the World Institute—discussed the issue with Voice of American correspondent Ndimyake Mwakalyelye. The interview will air next week on the VOA television program "In Focus."

To learn more about how the drought in the American Midwest will be felt around the world, read Wabwires's blog post “Is Another Food Crisis Brewing?”

Racine Tucker-Hamilton is media relations manager at Bread for the World.