High Food Prices, Food Reserves and Food Insecurity in Bangladesh

The following paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the global causes of food price hikes and local causes in Bangladesh, for the years 2007-08. The paper argues that internal forces influenced food prices much more substantially than global food market dynamics. Hence, in order to curb price shocks and food insecurity issues the government initiated food reserves (PFDS) as one of their mechanism. The study takes an in-depth look at the driving forces behind food price shocks and the impact this has had on food insecurity issues in Bangladesh. Based on the theoretical framework of the food reserves and various causes of food price hikes, it is also argued that multidimensional policies are needed to mitigate future crisis. Policies that are not confined solely to food, but rather that take into account the politics, economics and societal issues surrounding food insecurity in Bangladesh.