African Food Crises: How the Russia's Illegal Invasion of Ukraine Has Made a Dire Situation Worse

Grain is loaded aboard a cargo ship at the Azov Sea Port, Rostov region of Ukraine on July 22, 2023. [AFP]

Since early 2023, East Africa has been grappling with a severe food crisis, significantly worsened by the violent disruption of the global food supply due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that this situation could escalate into a 'catastrophe,' particularly for countries like Kenya, which rely heavily on predictable and reliable imports of essential commodities to manage their fragile food security. This already precarious situation is further exacerbated by drought and extreme weather events.

Before Russia's invasion, Ukraine was a major supplier, accounting for approximately 10% of the global trade in wheat, corn, and barley. The uninterrupted flow of these exports to countries with acute food needs was vital for maintaining global food security. However, the war has disrupted trade and distorted prices, replacing predictability with volatility. While other factors also contribute to inflation and uncertainty, Russia's actions have significantly exacerbated these issues.