The toll of Russia’s war on Africa’s food security

topic:	Peace and Reconciliation
located:	Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, Egypt, Uganda
editor:	Katarzyna Rybarczyk

The impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine can be felt across continents, as millions of people in Africa have become increasingly vulnerable to hunger due to disrupted food channels. Last week, a delegation of African leaders (representing South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, Comoros, Egypt, Uganda and the Republic of Congo) met with Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Calling for diplomacy, they highlighted the dire consequences the war has had on Africa.

As a result of the conflict, prices of wheat, sunflower and crude oil - all of which Africa heavily relies on - have soared. Additionally, exports of grain from Ukraine and fertiliser from Russia have been restricted, which has affected African countries and intensified food insecurity. “In 2020, 15 African countries imported over 50 per cent of their wheat products from the Russian Federation or Ukraine. Six of these countries (Eritrea, Egypt, Benin, Sudan, Djibouti, and Tanzania) imported over 70 per cent of their wheat from the region,” the African Development Bank reported.

According to the World Food Programme, prices of fertilisers more than doubled in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in 2022. Increased prices and scarcity of essential goods triggered by the war impede the progress in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 2 of creating a world free of hunger by 2030.

The UN's 2023 World Economic Situations and Prospects Report revealed that Africa already has the highest prevalence of food insecurity globally, with 60 percent of the continent’s population facing moderate to severe food insecurity. The conflict therefore risks pushing African citizens deeper into poverty and hunger.

“As the world reflects on the various shocks created by the conflict, Africans must grapple with the short-term inadvertent threats to their economies, food systems, and well-being,” the UN pointed out. The diplomatic efforts initiated by African leaders aim to mitigate the impact of the war and find sustainable solutions for the continent's food security.

“We are convinced that the time has come for both sides to start negotiations and end this war,” said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. He proposed a ten-point plan calling for immediate de-escalation by both sides and suggested that diplomatic negotiations should be the path forward.

Amongst the proposals, he highlighted the need to reopen the Black Sea for grain exports, which could alleviate the food insecurity problems that African countries are dealing with. Moreover, he emphasised the importance of exchanging prisoners of war, pointing to the human rights aspect of the conflict.

Looking beyond the immediate issues, Ramaphosa rightly observed that efforts must be placed also on post-conflict reconstruction and maintaining peace in the long term once it is restored. Africa’s growing involvement in mediation reflects the continent's commitment to upholding international peace and security and promoting proactive diplomacy.

Image by Pascal Bernardon

Call to Action

Help heal the trauma of Ukraine's children