How is geopolitics contributing to global food insecurity? Suggest some solutions.

The Russia-Ukraine war has not only created instability in the European region but has also led to a global food shortage. We live in a highly globalized world, where a war is not just the loss of two countries rather it affects the whole world.

Importance of Russia and Ukraine for global food security:

• Both countries are among the top producers of various agricultural commodities.
• Share of Russia and Ukraine in global wheat exports is around 18 and 10 percent respectively.
• Both countries are among the top 3 exporters of wheat, barley, maize and sunflower oil, globally.
• Together they supply more than 60% of the world’s sunflower oil.
• Ukraine’s exports are disrupted because of the naval blockade by Russia and  the Russian exports have been hit by Western sanctions.

Global food crisis:

• Many countries were facing food insecurity before the war as supply chains were already disrupted due to COVID-19.
• The war has aggravated the situation.
• Agricultural Price Index is 40% higher compared to January 2021, according to the World Bank.
• All economies in the world are suffering from inflation.
• Cost-of-living is increasing with food and energy prices rocketing.
• In the U.K., inflation numbers have already hit a 40-year high.
• Low-income countries are the most vulnerable.

Way forward:

Grain bank and edible oil supply could help meet the starvation of the impoverished in the near term.