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 increased steadily through May as supply from previous harvests diminished. In deficit areas such as northeastern Kenya, prices started to rise from already high levels. In South Sudan, along the border with Sudan, prices continued to rise rapidly as insecurity and conflict still prevent normal market functioning.

• In Southern Africa, staple food prices, maize in particular, declined seasonally in May as new crops reached local markets and food availability at the household level improved.

• In West Africa, cereal prices in many markets in the Sahel remained stable in May as producers and traders began to offload stocks on markets in the Sudanian zone following the onset of the rainy season and trade flows brought supplies to deficit markets in the Sahel.

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

• In Afghanistan and Tajikistan, wheat and wheat flour prices remained stable or continued to steadily decline in May.