Ukraine situation could worsen global food crisis

Fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine that could spark a major war on European soil and provoke a strong response from Western allies have raised tensions globally. Christian aid organisation barnabasfund warns that conflict in Ukraine could provoke a food supply disaster in Africa and the Middle East

Originally published by barnabasFund

A war in Ukraine could have a disastrous impact on the availability of food across Africa and the Middle East.

Ukraine is one of the main exporters of corn, barley, rye and wheat around the world, including to nations already suffering from food poverty and instability.    

“Food insecurity would be exacerbated in the many developing countries that depend on Ukraine for their sustenance,” says Alex Smith, a food and agriculture analyst at the California-based Breakthrough Institute.

More than 40% of Ukraine’s corn and wheat exports are shipped to Africa and the Middle East – regions already bearing the brunt of rising food prices and disrupted food supply caused by conflict, environmental disasters and Covid-19.

In many countries, adds Smith, “price spikes and food insecurity could inflame conflict, heighten ethnic tensions, destabilise governments, and cause violence to spill over borders”.

In November 2021 it was reported that an estimated billion people worldwide are already facing malnutrition as the global food crisis worsens, with 45 million on the brink of famine.

As Christians our priority must be to pray, not only for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, but also for those around the world who are at risk of suffering and starvation.

Pray for peace in Ukraine, and that the supply of wheat and other vital food supplies around the world will not be disrupted. Ask that the Lord will bless efforts to reach hungry and starving Christians, and all those suffering food insecurity and malnutrition, including the work of Barnabas Fund’s food.gives project.

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