Food prices remain high in the developing world, leaving more than 30 countries in need of emergency aid despite a strong cereal harvest this year, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned.

Although international food prices have fallen significantly since their peaks a couple of years ago, wheat and maize prices rose in October and rice export prices are still way above pre-crisis levels.

In eastern Africa, drought and war have compounded the crisis, with some 20 million people desperately in need of food aid. Of the 20 African countries in need of aid, Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya in particular have acute food shortages. In Asia, 11 countries are facing food shortages. While Latin America does not qualify for emergency food aid, regional drought and political conflicts have led to reduced food production and hunger in certain areas.

The FAO is hosting a world food summit in Rome next week, hoping to win broad support for an increase in agricultural investments in poor countries to help them feed themselves.