The worsening economic crisis has led to a fall in global demand for commodities.
The price of copper, tin and even diamonds is plunging, meaning regions rich in minerals, such as Africa, are earning far less than they used to.
Some goods have lost 70 per cent of their value, and it is costing hundreds of thousands jobs in some of the poorest countries of the world.
Nicole Johnston reports.
The World Cup football tournament kicks off in one week, and host South Africa is busy putting on the finishing touches. But not everyone is looking forward to the tournament. Authorites in cities including Cape Town are being accused of clearing the poor from the streets - to create a good impression for visiting fans. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa has more.