If the transition in Egypt succeeds and the country overcomes a number of economic obstacles and acquires a democratic, accountable, and efficient form of government, it is likely to become a stabilizing force in a turbulent region.

After a relatively short-lived decline during the Great Recession, international food prices have soared again and reached a record-high in recent months. This price surge, coupled with a dramatic spike in the price of oil, is causing great hardship for the world’s poor households.

Food prices have been fluctuating wildly, hurting both consumers and producers. Several causes are clear and policy makers are taking note, but more must be done to help ensure long-term food price stability.

The number of hungry people around the world recently topped one billion—a full 15 percent of humanity. New evidence now suggests that investment in agriculture is essential to combating this growing global crisis.