Madam, - As world food prices increase across the globe readers should spare a thought for the urban poor in developing countries who spend up to 90 per cent of their income on food.
Information from the countries where Concern works suggests that the poor are reducing the number of meals that they have or the size of each meal by up to 50 per cent. They are eating less nutritious foods. Theft is increasing and children are being withdrawn from school. Borrowing is on the increase.
Many of the development gains that have been made in recent years are being eroded quickly. Developing countries that import food and oil are seeing bills for these items double, leaving less money for health and education.
This crisis has a disproportionate impact on poor people in poor nations.
- Yours, etc,
PAUL O'BRIEN, Overseas Director, Concern Worldwide, Camden Street, Dublin 2.