African officials warn Iran conflict threatens food security through fuel and fertiliser costs

Trade officials from African nations and the United Nations have warned that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is driving up fuel and fertiliser prices, posing risks to food security across Africa. The warnings came during the World Investment Forum held in Doha, Qatar, on October 25 and 26, organised by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Luz Maria de la Mora, who directs UNCTAD's Division on International Trade and Commodities, told Al Jazeera that the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, linked to the US and Israeli military actions against Iran, needs urgent resolution. She explained that sharp increases in fertiliser costs have led some countries to cut back on usage, which could reduce crop yields and affect food availability and pricing in the coming year.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, and disruptions there have had knock-on effects for African economies. Zimbabwe's Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, noted that rising fuel and fertiliser costs are especially worrying given that over 70 percent of Zimbabwe's population relies on agriculture.

Uganda has also felt the impact, according to the country's Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Sanjay Tanna, who said fuel prices in the country have more than doubled.