The ongoing Iran war is threatening food security in Africa, potentially leading to dramatic consequences for the continent’s most vulnerable populations. As the conflict escalates, fertiliser prices have surged, putting immense pressure on farmers in regions like Ethiopia and Kenya.

Since the war began, the price of urea—a key fertiliser ingredient—has increased by 60% to 70%. This spike is alarming for countries that rely heavily on agricultural imports. Despite being well positioned to produce their own food, many African nations find themselves at the mercy of global market fluctuations.

According to S&P Global, food supply chains now face severe challenges from fuel and fertiliser restrictions due to the conflict. In fact, about 35% of the world’s supply of urea comes from Gulf states, making sub-Saharan Africa particularly vulnerable to these disruptions.

Key impacts of the war:

• The price of crucial fertilisers has skyrocketed, affecting local farming operations.
• Africa remains a major food importer, highlighting its reliance on external sources for agricultural needs.
• The EU has announced grant aid of up to €50,000 for farmers impacted by the conflict.

Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara International—one of the world’s largest fertiliser companies—emphasised 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.” His words resonate with farmers who struggle daily with rising costs.

The reality on the ground reflects this urgency. One farmer expressed despair over his situation: “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 echoes across many communities where agricultural production is dwindling.

The ripple effects of this conflict are profound. As supplies dwindle and prices rise, officials worry about potential food shortages that could exacerbate existing hardships for millions across Africa. The next steps in addressing these challenges remain uncertain as countries navigate their dependence on external fertiliser sources.

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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.

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Significant Contribution from Players

Recent developments reveal that players in Devon have raised over £7 million through the People’s Postcode Lottery, directly supporting the charity Mary’s Meals. This funding has enabled 478,968 children to receive nutritious meals every school day.

Mary’s Meals, which began in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, now serves daily meals to more than three million children globally. The funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery has been crucial in expanding their reach, with a total of 39 million meals served to date.

Wider Context of the Postcode Lottery

The People’s Postcode Lottery has raised more than £950 million for over 9,000 charities since its inception in 2005. A minimum of 33 percent from each ticket goes to charity, making it a vital source of funding for various causes.

Daily Prizes and Community Support

In addition to supporting charities, the lottery offers daily cash prizes, including £30,000 jackpots and £1,000 prizes for 20 different postcodes every day. This dual approach not only benefits charities but also engages the community in a meaningful way.

Reactions from Mary’s Meals

Laura Chow, a representative from Mary’s Meals, expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s fantastic to know that for a decade our players have supported the essential work of Mary’s Meals—and have now raised an incredible £7 million to help children across the globe access nutritious meals.”

Gemma Love, another spokesperson for the charity, added, “We are incredibly grateful to People’s Postcode Lottery players in Devon, whose ongoing support is helping us reach more children than ever before with a daily school meal that encourages learning, brings hope and changes lives.”

Voices from the Beneficiaries

Children who benefit from these meals also share their experiences. One child, Efigénia, remarked, “With school meals, I feel good because even with a lack of food at home, here at school I have a meal and I can study.”

Looking Ahead

Mary’s Meals aims to reach even more children in the coming years. Gemma Love noted, “Seeing the difference this support makes for children and communities inspires us to keep going and to reach even more children in the years ahead.” The ongoing partnership with the People’s Postcode Lottery is crucial for this mission.

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