How Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine is Threatening East Africa’s Food Security

Grain loaded aboard a cargo ship at the Azov Sea Port, Rostov region of Ukraine

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the borders of Europe. One of the most significant effects of this war is the threat it poses to East Africa’s food security. The region, which relies heavily on imports of essential commodities, is facing a severe food crisis that has been exacerbated by the conflict.

A Region in Crisis

East Africa is no stranger to food insecurity. The region has long struggled with drought, extreme weather events, and other challenges that have impacted its ability to produce sufficient food for its population. However, the situation has been significantly worsened by the conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine was a major supplier of grain to East Africa, accounting for approximately 10% of the global trade in wheat, corn, and barley. The disruption of this supply chain has had a devastating impact on the region.

“The war has disrupted trade and distorted prices, replacing predictability with volatility,” said Dr Abraham Korir SingOei, a senior official in Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. “This has had a significant impact on Kenya’s food security, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.”

The Human Cost

The human cost of this conflict is staggering. In Kenya alone, over 6 million people are malnourished, with a million on the brink of starvation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many of these individuals are already vulnerable due to poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and other socio-economic factors.

Efforts to Stabilize Prices and Supplies

In an effort to stabilize prices and supplies, the Black Sea Grain Initiative was established in July 2022. This initiative allowed Ukraine to safely export grain, providing much-needed relief to countries in East Africa. However, Russia’s abrupt withdrawal from the agreement in November 2022 was seen as a betrayal by African countries.

A New Path Forward

Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, there are efforts underway to establish a more secure and sustainable food system in East Africa. In September 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to establish a grain hub in the Port of Mombasa to address food shortages in the region.

This initiative has the potential to provide a significant boost to East Africa’s food security, and it is an important step towards establishing a more sustainable and resilient food system in the region.

Conclusion

The conflict in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on East Africa’s food security. However, it is also an opportunity for the region to reassess its food systems and to establish a more secure and sustainable future. By working together and investing in initiatives such as the grain hub in Mombasa, East Africa can build a brighter future for its citizens.

Ukraine flag

References:

[1] https://www.un.org/en/content/snapshots/ [2] https://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1324155/icode/ [3] https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/africa-food-security