Abdul Hayy Haziq Mohamad

doi:10.19080/NFSIJ.2024.13.555862

Mini Review

The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Global Food Security

Abdul Hayy Haziq Mohamad*

School of Management and Business, University Technology Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia

Submission: August 10, 2024; Published: August 21, 2024

*Corresponding author: Abdul Hayy Haziq Mohamad, School of Management and Business, University Technology Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia

How to cite this article: Abdul Hayy Haziq Mohamad*. The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Global Food Security. Nutri Food Sci Int J. 2024. 13(3): 555862. DOI: 10.19080/NFSIJ.2024.13.555862.

Abstract

The Russia-Ukraine war has triggered significant global disruptions, notably in food security. Both nations are pivotal in the global agricultural market, and the conflict has led to sharp increases in food prices, strained supply chains, and intensified food insecurity, especially in vulnerable regions. The war has severely impacted Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure and restricted Russia’s agricultural exports, resulting in a global shortage of essential commodities like wheat and fertilizers. This has exacerbated food crises in regions heavily dependent on these imports, including Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The conflict’s repercussions have also been felt in Europe, where rising food and energy prices have contributed to inflation and economic instability. This study highlights the urgent need for resilient and equitable food systems to mitigate the impacts of such geopolitical conflicts on global food security [1-3]. The Russia-Ukraine war, which erupted in February 2022, has sent shockwaves across the globe, with consequences that extend far beyond the immediate geopolitical and humanitarian concerns [4,5]. Among the most significant global repercussions has been the exacerbation of food security crises. According to [6-13] and [14,15], both Russia and Ukraine are critical players in the global agricultural market, and the disruption caused by the war has triggered sharp increases in food prices, strained international supply chains, and worsened food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Keywords: Food security; Food prices; Wheat and fertilizers; Worsened food insecurity; Storage facilities

Disruption of Global Food Supplies

The Russia-Ukraine war has profoundly disrupted global food supplies, with immediate and severe consequences. Ukraine, often called the “breadbasket of Europe,” is a leading exporter of wheat, maize (corn), and sunflower oil [13] On the other hand, Russia is major wheat exporter in the world [9]. According to [10] the conflict has crippled the agricultural sectors of both countries, leading to significant disruptions in the global supply of these essential commodities. One of the most critical disruptions has been the blockade of key Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea, a vital route for grain exports. With ports like Odessa and Mariupol under siege or closed, millions of tons of wheat and other grains have been trapped, unable to reach international markets. This blockade has not only reduced the global availability of essential grains but has also created severe logistical challenges, as overland transport routes proved insufficient to handle the volumes typically shipped by sea. In addition to the blockade, the war has inflicted substantial damage on Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure. Fields, storage facilities, and transportation networks have been destroyed or severely damaged, further reducing the country’s agricultural output. The conflict has also disrupted the availability of crucial inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and fuel, making it even more challenging for farmers to maintain productivity. Sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its military aggression have added another layer of complexity. These sanctions have not only targeted the Russian economy but have also restricted the flow of its agricultural exports, particularly wheat and fertilizers, to global markets. This resulting shortage of fertilizers has had a cascading effect on global agriculture, as farmers worldwide struggle to afford or obtain the necessary inputs to sustain crop yields [5].

Regional and Global Impacts

The disruption of food supplies from Ukraine and Russia has had far-reaching consequences, particularly for regions heavily dependent on imports of grains and other food commodities. In Africa, many countries rely heavily on wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia [3]. According to [2], Egypt is the world’s largest wheat importer, sources more than 80% of its wheat from these two countries, and the war led to immediate shortages and price hikes, straining government budgets and increasing the risk of social unrest. In the Horn of Africa, where prolonged drought and conflict have already pushed millions to the brink of famine, the war’s impact on global food prices has only worsened the crisis. Rising food costs have plunged more people into hunger and malnutrition, overwhelming humanitarian efforts in the region. The MENA region, which imports a significant portion of its food, has also been acutely affected. According to [1] and [7], the Arab countries like Lebanon, Tunisia, and Yemen have faced severe food shortages, leading to increased food prices and heightened food insecurity. Lebanon, already in the throes of an economic crisis, has seen bread prices skyrocket, exacerbating the challenges faced by a population struggling with hyperinflation and unemployment. In Yemen, where ongoing conflict has already decimated the food supply, the reduction in global food aid due to higher prices has pushed more people toward starvation. [12] highlight the impact in the South Asia region, countries like Bangladesh and Afghanistan have experienced significant challenges due to the disruption in wheat and grain imports. Bangladesh, which relies on Ukraine for a substantial portion of its wheat, has seen food prices rise, affecting the purchasing power of low-income households.

Afghanistan, already one of the world’s most food-insecure countries, has seen its humanitarian crisis worsen. Even within Europe, the impact of the war has been felt. According to [8] and [11], the Eastern European countries that traditionally import grain from Ukraine have faced supply disruptions, leading to higher food prices and contributing to broader inflationary pressures across the continent. The broader European Union has had to contend with rising energy and food prices, which have affected consumer spending and increased the cost of living. In conclusion, the Russia-Ukraine war has had a profound impact on global food security, exposing the vulnerabilities of the global food system and highlighting the interconnectedness of geopolitics, economics, and agriculture. The disruption of food supplies, rising prices, and the resulting food insecurity have had devastating consequences for millions of people, particularly in the Global South. While international efforts have provided some relief, the crisis remains ongoing, with the potential for further escalation. Addressing this crisis requires not only immediate action but also long-term strategies to build more resilient and equitable food systems. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by this conflict, it is essential to learn from this crisis and work towards a future where food security is not subject to the whims of war and politics.