Escalating War's Impact: Food Crisis Threat Looms Over Poorest Nations

The geopolitical conflict in the Middle East is once again demonstrating impacts that extend far beyond the energy sector. This time, a serious threat has emerged in the global food sector, particularly in developing countries.

The war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States is said to have the potential to trigger major disruptions in the fertiliser supply chain, which could ultimately directly affect food production.

This situation will have a particularly significant impact on poor countries in Africa. Their dependence on fertiliser imports and limited resources place the region in the most vulnerable position.

The CEO of Yara International, Svein Tore Holsether, has warned that the world is currently on the brink of a crisis that could develop rapidly if not anticipated soon. “The most important thing we can do now is to sound the alarm about what we are seeing at the moment, namely the risk of a global auction for fertiliser that makes it unaffordable for those who are most vulnerable,” he said, as quoted from The Guardian on Saturday, 2 May 2026.

He explained that Africa actually has great potential as a global food producer. However, in reality, many countries in the region still rely on importing food staples.

“Africa is actually in a fairly good position to become a major food producer, not only for self-sufficiency but also for export to the whole world, but in reality they are large importers of food.”

Holsether also reminded that the impact of the food crisis will not be evenly distributed around the world. Advanced countries are unlikely to experience hunger, but the situation will be different in poor countries.

“We need to realise in this part of the world the potential consequences that if there is a global auction for food, there will be no hunger in Europe, but we must be aware of who we are taking the food from.”

According to him, it is important for world leaders to understand the developing risks before the situation becomes uncontrollable. In addition, the financial intelligence company S&P Global has noted that the impact of the war is already being felt in the global supply chain.