The ongoing Iran war threatens food security in Africa, particularly impacting the continent’s most vulnerable populations. The conflict has disrupted supply chains and increased fertiliser prices significantly.
As of early Tuesday, urea prices have surged by 60% to 70% since the onset of the war. This increase affects agricultural imports across sub-Saharan Africa, where many countries rely heavily on imported fertilisers.
Africa imports around 35% of the world’s urea supply from Gulf states. Ethiopia and Kenya are especially vulnerable due to their dependence on Middle East nitrogenous fertilisers. The situation raises alarms about potential food shortages and price rises.
Key impacts:
- The price of urea has increased by up to 70%, affecting farmers’ ability to produce crops.
- The EU has announced grant aid of up to €50,000 for farmers impacted by the war.
- S&P Global reports that food supply chains face challenges due to fuel and fertiliser restrictions.
Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara International, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stated, “The most important thing we can do now is raise the alarm on what we are seeing right now – that there is a risk of a global auction on fertiliser that means it becomes unaffordable for those most vulnerable.”
Despite being well positioned to produce food, Africa faces significant challenges. The ongoing conflict complicates efforts to maintain agricultural productivity and secure food supplies for its population.