Africa food price 'tsunami' fear

Louis Michel says the EU is planning to boost emergency food aid

EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel has warned that rising world food costs could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Africa.

He said it was less visible than the threat of rising oil prices but had the potential effect of a "real economic and humanitarian tsunami in Africa".

He was speaking after meeting African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping.

Last week African finance ministers warned that rises in the cost of food threatened growth, peace and security.

Staple foods such as rice, wheat flour and maize have been particularly affected and some African governments have been forced to respond with emergency measures.

Louis Michel said the European Commission (the EU's executive) was planning to boost its emergency food aid.

A spokesman said he was responding to warnings from the World Food Programme and the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Mr Ping described the rise in prices as a "major challenge" and called for investment in the farming sector, particularly in Africa.