The ongoing Iran war is threatening food security in Africa, with potential consequences for the continent’s most vulnerable populations. As the conflict escalates, countries like Ethiopia and Kenya find themselves facing rising fertiliser prices that could lead to severe food shortages.
Since the onset of the war, the price of urea—a key fertiliser ingredient—has surged by 60% to 70%. This increase is alarming for nations that heavily rely on agricultural imports to feed their populations. Approximately 35% of the world’s supply of urea comes from Gulf states, making sub-Saharan Africa particularly susceptible to disruptions in supply chains.
Africa is not only a major food importer but also has significant potential for local food production. However, the ongoing crisis has highlighted vulnerabilities within its agricultural sector. S&P Global reports that fuel and fertiliser restrictions due to the war are exacerbating challenges in food supply chains.
Yara International, the world’s largest fertiliser company, has noted that ammonia supplies have been impacted by the conflict. Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara International, 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.” He emphasized the urgency of treating farming as a business to mitigate these risks.
The European Union has responded by announcing grant aid of up to €50,000 for farmers affected by the Iran war. This support aims to alleviate some immediate pressures but may not be sufficient given the scale of the crisis.
Many farmers are already feeling the strain. One farmer shared his frustrations, saying, “Farming only leads to financial losses. I’d rather work as a day labourer and earn 100 to 200 baht a day just to get by.” This sentiment reflects a growing disillusionment among those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.
The situation remains fluid as officials continue to assess the impact of these developments on food security across Africa. The consequences of rising fertiliser prices and disrupted supply chains could reverberate through communities already at risk.
As this crisis unfolds, communities in Ethiopia and Kenya are bracing for what may come next—an uncertain future where access to basic food supplies hangs in the balance.
