Shifting to agroecology is essential for low-income countries facing food insecurity, especially with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. This conflict has disrupted global food supplies, causing oil prices to soar and limiting fertilizer shipments, which farmers heavily depend on.
Experts advocate for agroecology, a sustainable farming method that includes organic practices like crop rotation and using compost. During a recent press briefing hosted by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and IPES-Food, they highlighted the need for countries in Africa and Asia to reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and enhance their food security.
Olivier De Schutter, co-chair of IPES-Food, shared alarming statistics: “Currently, 673 million people are hungry in Africa. Rising prices could push an additional 45 million into hunger.” Agroecology could be a key part of the solution by promoting plants that naturally enrich soil, such as chickpeas, lentils, and clover.
De Schutter also emphasized the importance of local food production. “We should grow more of what we need locally,” he said. This not only reduces transportation needs but also supports local diets based on fresh produce.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact global food supplies. The World Bank and the UN have both warned of rising food prices and increased hunger due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor for fertilizer exports.
Barnaby Pace, a senior researcher at CIEL, pointed out that regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are particularly vulnerable because they rely heavily on imports for food and fertilizers. Countries such as Kenya and Pakistan are expected to face severe fertilizer shortages, impacting vital crops like rice and wheat.
This situation isn’t new. The world has faced similar supply shocks from events like COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which also led to widespread hunger. De Schutter noted that 20 to 50 percent of Africa’s fertilizers come from the Gulf. For instance, Malawi depends on Gulf imports for 52 percent of its fertilizer needs.
To address these challenges, the African Union has proposed the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan for 2024-2034, which aims to boost local fertilizer production. However, De Schutter criticized the plan for not focusing enough on bio-fertilizers created from organic waste, such as black soldier fly larvae, which are being used successfully in the Philippines.
In South Asia, reliance on chemical fertilizers is still prevalent, bolstered by substantial government subsidies. This year, India’s subsidy for chemical fertilizers is projected to reach $21 billion, hindering budget allocations for organic alternatives.
Experts like Swathi Seshadri and Fadhel Kaboub stress that transitioning to sustainable methods is technically feasible, but they warn that large corporations controlling the global food system, which also depends on petrochemicals, pose a significant barrier to change.
These battles for sustainable agriculture are crucial for health, prosperity, and the environment. A transformation away from fossil fuels in both energy and food systems is essential for a better future.
For more insights on global agricultural practices and the importance of organic farming, visit the [UN Food and Agriculture Organization](https://www.fao.org/home/en/).
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agroecology,fertilizer,food insecurity,Middle East Conflict
