How does the Ukraine invasion lead to a world food crisis?

The consequences of the #Russian invasion in #Ukraine could be as disastrous as that of world war II, according to the UN World Food Programme. WHY?
After the Russian invasion sent shock waves in the #energy markets, it is now threatening the #food security of the world.

Russia and Ukraine are one of the largest producers and exporters of grain in the world (30% wheat, 17% corn and over half of the sunflower seed oil). Because of the invasion, a large stockpile of grain and #fertilizers is stuck in these countries which has sent food prices soaring. Prices of wheat have increased by about 70% while fertilizer has increased by over 40%. This crisis is also exacerbated by lateral factors like an ongoing pandemic and the recent spate of droughts, floods and forest fires across the world.

While Ukrainian farmers are missing critical planting and harvesting seasons, farmers across the world are cutting back on fertilizers which is threatening the quantity and quality of their yield. Moreover, more than 30% of Ukrainian farmland could become a war zone. And as millions flee the country, the population working in the field has reduced further.

While the pandemic has already pushed millions across the world to the edge of starvation, the war might push them over it. Countries like Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh and Iran have been importing over 60% of their wheat from these two countries. During a crunch, smaller countries like Armenia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan are going to be left in the lurch. But, all of these countries are going to be competing against China, the world’s largest consumer and producer of wheat. China is buying more of the world’s wheat crop because of its recent spate of floods which has dwindled supplies while countries like India are seeing an increased demand in wheat exports. Brazil, the world’s largest producer of soybean imports about half of its fertilizer from Russia and Belarus. This time Brazil’s soybean crop is expected to be significantly smaller. Since soybean is also used to feed livestock in countries like China, prices of meat will also shoot up.

Rising food prices have always led to not just economic collapse but also political upheavals like in Morocco and Sudan which are currently undergoing violent protests because of inflation. In Afghanistan, the humanitarian crisis since the Taliban takeover has been worsened by the Ukraine invasion as the country struggles to feed more than 20 million people. In the Middle East, bread makes up about half of the average person’s diet. Rising costs of bread has led to political turmoil in the past. In 2011 during the #Arab Spring, one of the slogans was “bread, freedom and social justice”. Last year, food inflation had reached the same levels as they had during the Arab Spring. The Ukraine invasion has just added fuel to fire.

[guytaylor]

Coming from farming stock myself this is of course a massive concern, for many aspects as agriculture and the export of agricultural goods is a key player in most countries GDP.

And although I truly believe that these pressures can be alleviated, although not entirely it will take a while if my plans were met and introduced but I am but a tiny insignificant speck in the greater scheme of things, no one would take my recommendations. I've blogged about it if anyone is interested

[strawberryme]

We’ve already been on the path to shortage the last few years with drought And crop damage from weather and locusts. Then this ukraine thing. It’s been on a downhill spiral for a while.

[sampooransinghyadav]

Every content of down to earth is very important point of view UPSC.

[HuacayaJonny]

This is good content! But bad news unfortunately..

[colep]

Great work you guys. I originally subscribed for your permaculture videos, but it's great to see you branching out and covering other topics. The videos on recycling, this worldwide food crisis, and even COVID 19 have all been very interesting and informative.

[thesoul]

Well do China ll also try to undervalue dollar...???

[AS-ugvq]

This year exports will grow, farmers will make wayyyy more money but local people will not be able to afford good quality grains.

[akhilmythri]

Could you please post a link to the World Food Programme and FAO documents that you quote in your video? Adding references in the video description would be helpful. Thanks.

[ronaldkable]

You cover some of the neglected, but no less important, issues of the time. 👍🏼👌🏽
This food crisis is going to be a serious thing

[pinaky_AnVikSiki]

Hope world not in a another catastrophe..if political leaders do as citizens needs but that's most vulnerable right now.. our existing challenges r increasing day by day with more complexity.. sustainability will not be priceless..

[sustainablelivingschool]

Food security is really the perfect storm of sustainability issues that hurts everyone as it cuts across so many cultures and locations. Thank you for the informative summary and we have a few courses (one free and one paid) we offer to support anyone wanting to learn how to have greater food security at home 💚

[jatinguchiya]

Jo log Vladimir Putin ke kewal "cool" dikhne ke karan, uske har action ka support karte hain. Wo log ye video dhyan se dekhe or samjhe. Us ek aadmi ki wajah se kitna tamasha jhelna pad rha hai pure world ko.

[sarthakpandey]

I want to work with you, how can I reach out!

[pawanpaliwal]

Good and informative……❤️ or lastly how to work with you 😅