The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, released by 5 UN agencies indicate that 735 millions of people went hungry in the world in 2022.
Hunger is one of the most urgent and devastating problems facing humanity., and unfortunately persists in many parts of the world. While lack of access to food is multifaceted and complex, there are certain factors that have a significant impact on global food security. Two of those factors are sanctions on Russia and the fertilizer issue..
Economic sanctions imposed on Russia by various nations have a direct effect on the availability and affordability of food for the Russian population.. These restrictive measures are generally aimed at punishing or pressuring governments or individuals involved in unwanted activities., such as annexation of territory or human rights violations. However, These sanctions may have unforeseen and negative consequences for food security.
Sanctions could negatively affect Russia's ability to import certain essential food and agricultural resources. This can lead to a decrease in food supply and an increase in prices, making it more difficult for local people to obtain adequate nutrition. Besides that, sanctions can limit access to advanced agricultural technologies and expertise, further harming agricultural productivity and efficiency.
Another factor related to global hunger is the issue of fertilizers. Fertilizers play a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity, allowing plants to grow healthily and productively. However, access to quality fertilizers is limited in many regions of the world, especially in low-income countries.
There are several reasons for this fertilizer shortage. Large-scale production of fertilizers is dominated by a few companies, resulting in high prices and lack of competition. Besides that, the lack of adequate infrastructure in some regions makes it difficult to efficiently distribute fertilizers to farmers. Lack of knowledge about the proper use of fertilizers can also lead to inefficient or inappropriate use of these products..
Fertilizer shortages and lack of access to them have a direct impact on agricultural productivity and food security. Without adequate fertilizers, crops are less productive, resulting in reduced food availability and higher prices for consumers. This mainly affects subsistence farmers in developing countries, who depend on agriculture as a source of subsistence and face difficulties in increasing their productivity.
To face the challenge of world hunger, it is essential to address issues such as sanctions on Russia and fertilizer shortages. International cooperation, the search for innovative solutions and investment in agricultural infrastructure are essential to overcome these obstacles. Besides that, It is important to promote sustainable agricultural practices, efficient use of fertilizers and diversification of food sources to ensure global food security.
Ultimately, hunger is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Recognizing the impact of sanctions on Russia and the fertilizer issue on food security, We can work together to mitigate these problems and ensure that all people have access to adequate, nutritious food.
