African governments need to take urgent action on fertiliser shortages
Summary
African farmers face risks to food production due to disruptions in global fertiliser supplies caused by conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are crucial, and any disruption could cause price increases and shortages affecting millions of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.Key Facts
- The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is disrupting global fertiliser trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Around 25% of global ammonia trade and over 33% of seaborne urea pass through this Strait.
- African farmers import about 80% of their fertiliser, often at higher prices than in Europe.
- Smallholder farmers, who produce nearly 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s food, are most vulnerable to fertiliser shortages.
- A 10% fall in fertiliser availability could reduce maize, rice, and wheat production by up to 25% in sub-Saharan Africa.
- The African Development Bank has a $1.5 billion program supporting farmers with fertiliser and seeds to increase food production.
- African governments are encouraged to improve trade data sharing, coordinate fertiliser purchasing, build reserves, and increase local fertiliser production.
- Countries like Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia are developing domestic fertiliser manufacturing capacity.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.