With a GDP per capita of around $1,240 (world bank report 2007), and a ranking of 144 out of 179 in the 2008 UNDP Human development report, large numbers of Kenyans suffer poverty. This is most acute in urban slums and among pastoralists and farmers living in remote and semi-arid regions. It is estimated that in 2009 5.6 million Kenyans will face food insecurity as global food prices continue to rise at unprecedented rates (World Food Programme, wfp.org/countries/Kenyans). Between 2005 and 2008 global food prices have risen overall by 83 per cent. For many Kenyans the only options is to cut back on the number of meals they eat, purchase less expensive foods and consume a high-carbohydrate, less balanced and nutritious diet. Malnutrition rates are expected to increase, particularly among children. The cause of the food crisis in Kenya is often put down to the failure of the rainy season for the three years since 2006. The consequent crop failures have undoubtedly contributed to food shortages, but so have other factors. USAID's assessment is that recurrent 'season of failed or poor rains, sustained high food prices, environmental degradation, outbreaks of disease, and flooding have led to deteriorating food security conditions throughout Kenya, straining coping mechanisms, exacerbating existing chronic poverty, and contributing to increased inter-ethnic conflict over access to limited land and water resources. The increasing global market in agricultural products for biofuel production is another contributing factor.