2022 Year in Review (QUIZ)

Answer: C.

The Ukraine crisis reduced global access to fuel and important crops like wheat, causing prices for goods like food to skyrocket. In March, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that food prices had reached the highest levels in the history of its food price index. In Africa, where households spend as much as 40% of their income on food, the impact was especially severe. 

In June, TechnoServe’s Africa regional directors offered an on-the-ground, expert perspective on the food security challenge. “This crisis now exacerbates what was already a very serious crisis,” said West Africa Regional Director Larry Umunna. Read and watch part I and part II of their conversation.

Answer: A.

Rising temperatures, drought, and increased pests and diseases are already threatening the world’s crops, especially in many low-income countries. A projected loss of 8% of the world’s farmland would be catastrophic. In March, TechnoServe regenerative business experts Katarina Kahlmann and Floor Overbeeke discussed the meaning of this finding, as well as other key points from the IPCC report. “This report makes dire projections, but it’s not prophetic,” said Kahlmann. “We really have a chance to cut emissions and help vulnerable people across the world to adapt to climate change. 

Answer: D.

Miserably hot conditions in India this spring not only threatened human health, but agricultural production across the country. Many farmers working with TechnoServe in India reported striking drops in the quality and quantity of their crops, with some wheat farmers reporting crop losses of 30%. In June, TechnoServe’s India team explained the impact of the heat wave on farmers, and how staff are working with them to mitigate the worst of the crisis.

Answer: B.

Despite supply disruptions due to the Ukraine conflict in 2022, South Africa made important gains in food availability, food quality and safety, and sustainability and adaptation. Find out more about South Africa’s economic development efforts and other issues affecting global food security in 2022.

Answer: D.

After losing 80% of their coffee trees in Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico’s coffee farmers replanted their farms and rebuilt their livelihoods with help from a partnership including TechnoServe, Nespresso, the Hispanic Federation, and Fundacion Colibri. Just before Hurricane Fiona hit in September, farmers were looking forward to a coffee crop that would equal pre-Maria levels for the first time. Though the latest hurricane was a heartbreaking setback, many farmers remain determined to rebuild once again.

Answer: C.

Weeks of heavy rainfall, combined with infrastructure problems, caused catastrophic flooding in 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states in October. TechnoServe’s Nigeria Country Director Adesuwa Akinboro provided an on-the-ground perspective on how small-scale farmers and business owners in these areas were fighting to survive the crisis and protect their families and livelihoods.