International prices and food security: An analysis of food and fertilizer price transmission in Central America

This report explores the dynamics between domestic food security in Central America and global price inflation. The report analyzes the extent to which international food and fertilizer prices have been passed through to Central American countries, their impacts in terms of household expenditure and income, and the effectiveness of government’s domestic policy responses in the face of high food prices. The report also explores the historic evolution of agriculture and food public policies in Central America during previous instances of international food price hikes, so as to derive lessons for Central American policymakers on the adequacy of the policy ecosystem to prevent the emergence of, and respond to, food security crises.