Could the Iran War Trigger a Global Hunger Crisis?
Al Jazeera's Counting the Cost programme examined how a prolonged Iran war is pushing energy, fertiliser and grain prices higher and threatening food access worldwide. Analysts on the show said Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are among the highest-risk regions.
Al Jazeera's Counting the Cost programme reviewed the chain effects of the Iran war as it enters its third month. With Brent crude holding above $100, natural gas-based fertiliser production is becoming more expensive, putting indirect pressure on grain costs.
Agricultural market analysts on the programme said that import-dependent countries in North Africa and the Sahel are seeing purchasing power erode quickly. Foreign-exchange pressure is rising for large importers such as Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Ethiopia.
International agencies have stepped up emergency appeals, with the World Food Programme reporting a widening funding gap. Officials warned that if the war drags on, the number of people facing acute food insecurity worldwide could reach new highs in the next 12 months.
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