The 2022-2023 Global Food Crisis:

A Call for Coordinated Action

World Food Programme defines a food crisis as a situation where there is a significant disruption in the availability, access, and utilization of food that leads to acute malnutrition and hunger. Before pursuing a detailed discussion on the ongoing global food crisis, it is important to understand what truly makes a food crisis go global. In today's globalized world, where states have grown to become increasingly interrelated, interconnected, and interdependent, a food crisis in one region can have major repercussions for the entire planet. Though food crises did emerge in the past, such as the Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) or the Russian Famine (1891-1892), apart from some trade, due to their mostly isolated nature pre-globalization, the consequences of such a crisis did not have as an extensive impact. The World Food Price Crisis (2007-2008) did, however, go global. During this time, there was a food shortage and prices soared worldwide, causing mass protests and riots. This period was critical as it underscored how a food crisis could have detrimental consequences across the globe.

In 2022, the world once again started to see a sudden rise in food prices alongside a growing food shortage. There are a multitude of reasons for this. One major cause that is cited is conflict. According to Plan International, it accounts for 65% of the people facing acute food insecurity. The Russia-Ukraine war is a conflict that has resulted in the interruption of a key source of wheat for various countries. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), among the 48 countries that have mostly been affected by the food shock from the war, have largely been African states. Generally, statistics show that wheat accounts for around 20% of the world's calorie intake and its importance is boosted by the fact that it is relatively cheap and accessible. Other crucial foods that have been hit hard are oil seeds and maize.

Many global food supply chains were already facing major hurdles that emerged with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. At the same time, in response to rampant inflation, many states brought up interest rates to restrict and limit the supply of money. The crises were further catalyzed by a rise in fuel and transport prices. The exceptional increase in locust infestations that destroyed countless crops also exacerbated the problem. Climate change disasters, such as the South Asian heat wave and the North African drought, have also greatly affected crop yield around the globe. This is very worrisome due to the fact that climate change disasters have been on the rise over the years and their disastrous effects are only growing.

On top of shaking up economies all over the world, statistics show that people are being affected by the crisis in extraordinary numbers. The World Food Programme (WFP) asserts that 349 million people in 79 countries are facing acute food insecurity; putting their lives and livelihood in jeopardy. This marks an increase of 200 million people from before the pandemic. Malnutrition is an area of major concern as it can hamper the physical and mental abilities of children. It is also important to note that 70% of the world's hungry are women according to Hilal Elver, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the right to food. This increases the risk of miscarriage or death in childbirth. This global food crisis also acts as a risk to peace. With a rise in food prices globally, there has been a subsequent rise in food riots, particularly in Iran, Sri Lanka, Sudan, etc. These riots not only threaten law and order but also result in the damage of important infrastructure.

The crises have also hit home — Pakistan. About 39% of Pakistan's wheat imports used to come from Ukraine; a key source of sustenance for the majority of its population. The 2022 floods also destroyed many of the rice and wheat crops in the flood-hit provinces; producing substantially less yield. Looking at only one province, Sindh, we can see an 80% loss of the total expected rice production. This is even more worrisome when one keeps in mind the fact that Pakistan is among the top 10 nations most vulnerable to extreme climate events. What puts Pakistan in even more danger are its issues of poverty and overpopulation. A major chunk of its population already faces malnutrition. Many countries with fragile economies like Pakistan struggle to reduce the harshness of the effects of this crisis on its population.

States and international organizations around the world have taken different steps in response to the growing crises. To mitigate it, the World Bank announced a new fund of $12 billion while the United Nations (UN) encouraged Russia to support the restoration of Ukrainian grain ports. The US initially attempted to increase farm production and provided substantial development assistance to severely affected regions like the Horn of Africa. However, some countries have primarily focused on safeguarding their own food supplies, leading to further global price increases.

The ongoing global food crisis requires urgent and concerted action from all stakeholders. While the causes, such as conflict and climate change, continue to pose challenges, it is not futile to strive for solutions. Recent developments, such as a decrease in world food prices since the beginning of 2023, offer some hope. However, immediate attention and support must be directed towards the most vulnerable members of society. By implementing sustainable farming practices, promoting crop diversification, improving water management, and addressing trade policies and social inequalities, the international community can mitigate the harsh consequences of the global food crisis. Coordinated efforts, backed by long-term investments and humanitarian assistance, are essential to build a future where everyone has access to adequate and nutritious food.