The UN warns that ongoing global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, are driving up energy and fertiliser prices, which in turn is pushing food inflation to new heights. This situation threatens to exacerbate hunger worldwide, with millions more at risk of food insecurity as costs rise.
As energy prices soar, small-scale farmers, who heavily rely on diesel for irrigation and transport, are particularly vulnerable. The rising costs of a healthy diet, which have increased significantly since 2021, highlight the urgent need for resilient food systems that can withstand such shocks.
The report indicates that Africa is becoming the epicentre of this crisis, with a projected 60% of the world’s chronically undernourished people living there by 2030. This shift underscores the necessity for investment in local agriculture and infrastructure to enhance food security across the continent.
With climate change compounding these challenges, governments are urged to focus on building resilience in food systems rather than merely responding to crises. The interconnectedness of conflict, energy prices, and food security presents a complex challenge that requires immediate and sustained action to prevent further deterioration of global hunger levels.
Source: Euronews
