The international development agency Christian Aid has welcomed the extension of the Black Sea grain export deal. It means food staples can continue to reach African and Mediterranean countries and helps take the pressure off rising prices.
Renewal of the agreement for at least another four months is vital to the world's poorest people. Higher food prices have led communities and countries to the brink of famine. East Africa has been hardest hit where hunger has been fuelled by one of the worst droughts in 40 years.
Elizabeth Hallinan, Global Contexts Crisis Lead, said:
"This extension is a lifeline for poor countries struggling with high food prices. But with starvation stalking East Africa, it's critical the UK and other nations work to tackle hunger at its roots.
"The extension is shorter than the original year-long agreement and does not provide the certainty needed. A sustainable long-term approach is required that allows free access to the world's most essentials foods."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
There have been huge disruptions to food chains since Russia's invasion. Ukraine is one of the world's largest grain exporters.
In July this year an agreement was made between Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the UN to co-ordinate and ensure the safe movement of food essentials, such as grains and fertilizers, to provide relief for food-insecure countries that depend on exports from Black Sea countries.
As of 7th November, over 10 million tonnes of grain and foodstuffs have been exported under the initiative and this has been an essential lifeline to global food security.
