How is geopolitics contributing to global food insecurity? Suggest some solutions.
The Russia-Ukraine war has not only created instability in the European region but has also led to a global food shortage. We live in a highly globalized world, where a war is not just the loss of two countries rather it affects the whole world.
Importance of Russia and Ukraine for global food security:
- Both countries are among the top producers of various agricultural commodities.
- Share of Russia and Ukraine in global wheat exports is around 18 and 10 percent respectively.
- Both countries are among the top 3 exporters of wheat, barley, maize and sunflower oil, globally.
- Together they supply more than 60% of the world’s sunflower oil.
- Ukraine’s exports are disrupted because of the naval blockade by Russia and the Russian exports have been hit by Western sanctions.
Global food crisis:
- Many countries were facing food insecurity before the war as supply chains were already disrupted due to COVID-19.
- The war has aggravated the situation.
- Agricultural Price Index is 40% higher compared to January 2021, according to the World Bank.
- All economies in the world are suffering from inflation.
- Cost-of-living is increasing with food and energy prices rocketing.
- In the U.K., inflation numbers have already hit a 40-year high.
- Low-income countries are the most vulnerable.
Way forward:
Grain bank and edible oil supply could help meet the starvation of the impoverished in the near term.
Originally written on
February 19, 2024
and last modified on
October 27, 2024.