Why has the world's economy taken a downturn?

Question

Are you saying Africa provides the world's bread !!!!!?

Answer 1

Rising oil prices - oil is the main commodity in the world, the world's fortunes are negatively correlated with it (i.e. when it goes up, our welfare goes down)

A poor harvest and a terrible drought in African countries = inflation on raw materials required for bread and basic food.

all this = bad

Answer 2

The quick and dirty:  Because of the downturn in the US economy.  It's like a game of follow the leader.