War and drought threaten world food security — 645m people at risk
An estimated 645 million people worldwide face hunger. When disruptions occur, they reverberate far beyond an immediate conflict zone. The global food market faces the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the war in the Middle East and the incoming El Niño. While everyone is affected, the most vulnerable countries, communities and persons are least able to absorb another shock to…
An estimated 645 million people worldwide are at risk of hunger due to a combination of war and drought. Disruptions caused by Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and the upcoming El Niño are reverberating beyond the immediate conflict zones. Vulnerable countries are the least able to absorb another shock to food prices and supplies.
Kristian Schmidt, the EU's Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, highlights the impact of Russia's attacks on Ukraine, which have halved grain exports and created a potential loss of the 2026 harvest.
The conflict is not only a war on Ukraine but also a threat to global food security. Russia's attacks on Ukraine's ports, shipping lanes, warehouses, and agricultural infrastructure have severely disrupted grain exports, leaving more than nine million tonnes of grain to rot. This situation will have a ripple effect on global food supplies well into 2027, affecting regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and beyond.
In addition to the war, disruptions in trade, energy, and fertiliser markets, along with the Middle East crisis, are pushing fragile economies to the brink. The upcoming El Niño is expected to cause a rainfall deficit, leading to severe crop yield suppression and water resource exhaustion in southern Africa. More than 12.8 million people are already experiencing acute food insecurity, and during the 2023/2024 El Niño, 30 million people faced the same situation, with six countries declaring a state of national emergency.
The international community must take action to prevent further suffering. The European Commission has committed R522-million to the region, and the EU will collaborate with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for a coordinated response. Russia must ensure safe and reliable access to Black Sea ports for Ukrainian grain exports and halt all attacks on grain infrastructure and ports to guarantee a full and unconditional ceasefire, leading to just and lasting peace.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
