The head of the United Nations is warning the world must increase its food production to put an end to the global food crisis.

The cost of food is up 40 percent worldwide since last year.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon says the increase came because the world consumed more than it produced over the last three years.

He also blames rising oil prices, the fall of the U.S. dollar and several natural disasters for the shortfall in food.

The strain has sparked protests in more than 40 countries.

Earlier this month, food related riots in Haiti toppled the country's government.