Increasing food prices are adding to already severe hunger problems in Ethiopia, a country already beset by drought.
Christian Aid has already sent teams to Ethiopia to help direct emergency aid to those facing severe hunger as a result of drought and spiralling food prices.
Staff and partners there speak of people sitting by the roadside and begging for food and have described the enormity of the situation as daunting.
Ethiopia, where seasonal rains have failed, is extremely vulnerable to fluctuations to rises in food prices.
The costs of some cereals such as maize have increased by 50-90% since September � putting the cost of staple food out of the reach of most ordinary people.
Partners in Malawi and northern Kenya are also worried about the impact of rising food prices are having on poor communities there.
A looming world crisis
It is not just the poorest nations that suffer. Guatemala is defined by the World Bank as a middle income country, but its wealth is patchily distributed. Almost 57% of Guatemalans are poor and 21% live in extreme poverty.
Since food prices began rising sharply, even those with a regular income can no longer make ends meet.
How you can help
Christian Aid is ready to respond as the food crisis deepens. You can help support us by giving to our food crisis fund.