The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) monitors trends in staple food prices in countries vulnerable to food insecurity. The Price Watch provides an update on trends in selected urban centers. Prices for key markets and commodities monitored are made available in the Price Watch Annex.

• In East Africa, staple food prices remain seasonally high in June in most markets except in Uganda where harvests of beans and maize are on-going and in rural Kenya where fresh maize supplies are anticipated. In Sudan and South Sudan, prices remain high as seasonal upward trends are compounded by below average production during the previous growing season. High fuel costs and security concerns have further increased prices in deficit areas.

• In the greater Horn of Africa, staple food prices have increased with the progression of the lean season. Low output from the Belg season in Ethiopia has put further upward pressure on prices.

• Staple food prices declined throughout most of Southern Africa in June following seasonal trends. Maize prices increased unseasonally throughout Malawi in June due to recent production shortfalls and high inflation.

• In West Africa, the lean season continued throughout the region in June. Staple food prices remained stable or increased slightly between May and June but are generally much higher than their seasonal averages.

• In Central America, maize and bean prices remained stable or increased seasonally in June.

• In Afghanistan and Tajikistan, wheat and wheat flour prices remained relatively stable in June.