Iran war poses a significant threat to Asia’s food security

A group of farmers in India examines their wheat crop as rising prices and supply concerns related to the Iran conflict loom over their harvest.

Countries like India and Pakistan, which rely heavily on imports for their food supply, face rising prices and potential shortages. In September 2023, the price of wheat surged by over 15% in response to fears of supply disruptions stemming from the conflict. This trend is compounded by the fact that many Asian nations import grains … Read more

The Role of Finnish Supermarkets in National Defence

A group of supermarket employees participates in a training session with Finnish Defence Forces, focusing on emergency logistics and supply chain management.

Since early 2023, the Finnish government has been collaborating with major supermarket chains to enhance their preparedness for potential disruptions. This includes stockpiling essential goods and establishing protocols for rapid distribution in times of crisis. The emphasis on supermarkets stems from their ability to quickly mobilize resources and provide necessary supplies to the public, which … Read more

Two women facing similar farming challenges across continents

Amina stands in her droughtstricken maize field in Kenya, while Maria surveys her flooded coffee plantation in Brazil, both women reflecting the severe impacts of climate change on their farming livelihoods.

In Kenya, a smallholder farmer named Amina has seen her maize crops fail due to prolonged drought conditions. The situation worsened in early 2023, when the country experienced its worst drought in over four decades, significantly impacting food security. Meanwhile, in Brazil, Maria, a coffee farmer, has been dealing with heavy rains and flooding that … Read more

India faces challenges in fertiliser supplies amid war disruptions

Farmers in India gather around a field, expressing concern over rising fertiliser prices and the impact of supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

As of October 2023, the country has reported a sharp increase in fertiliser prices, with some key inputs seeing price hikes of over 30%. Major suppliers, including countries that traditionally export potash and phosphates to India, have been unable to fulfil contracts due to logistical issues and sanctions related to the conflict. This has resulted … Read more

Two women from different continents face the same climate challenge

Two women from different continents stand together in a field, discussing the impact of climate change on agriculture as they face similar challenges in their farming practices.

Meanwhile, on another continent, farmers in parts of North America are also grappling with the consequences of a changing climate. Increased occurrences of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have disrupted planting and harvest seasons. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the 2023 growing season saw a 15% reduction in corn production … Read more

Can Ukraine’s war-torn wheatfields be cleansed

A farmer surveys a damaged wheatfield in Ukraine, with remnants of military equipment visible in the background, highlighting the impact of ongoing conflict on agriculture.

Recent reports indicate that approximately 30% of Ukraine’s arable land is currently affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance, making it unsafe for cultivation. This contamination poses a significant barrier to the recovery of wheat production, which is crucial for the nation’s economy and for countries reliant on Ukrainian grain exports, particularly in Africa and the … Read more