The ongoing Iran war has escalated tensions in the Middle East and is now threatening food security in Africa, particularly impacting vulnerable populations across the continent. As of May 1, 2026, the conflict has resulted in significant disruptions to agricultural imports and skyrocketing fertiliser prices.
The situation is dire. Reports indicate that the price of urea, a key ingredient in fertilisers, has surged by 60% to 70% since the onset of the war. This increase comes at a time when many African nations, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, are heavily dependent on nitrogenous fertilisers imported from Gulf states—responsible for 35% of the world’s urea supply.
This context matters because despite Africa’s potential to produce sufficient food, it remains a major food importer. The reliance on foreign supplies creates vulnerabilities that are now exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The ripple effects can lead to food shortages and price hikes that disproportionately affect the continent’s poorest communities.
Key facts:
- The EU announced grant aid of up to €50,000 for farmers impacted by the Iran war.
- S&P Global reported that fuel and fertiliser restrictions due to the conflict are challenging food supply chains.
- Yara International, the world’s largest fertiliser company with operations in over 60 countries, has noted that ammonia supplies have been affected by the war.
As Svein Tore Holsether from Yara International warns, “The most important thing we can do now is raise the alarm on what we are seeing right now – that there is a risk of a global auction on fertiliser that means it becomes unaffordable for those most vulnerable.” With farming already leading many into financial losses—some would rather work as day labourers earning between 100 to 200 baht daily just to make ends meet—the stakes have never been higher.
The international community must recognize this crisis as interconnected. As agricultural imports dwindle and prices rise, officials and humanitarian organizations will need to devise strategies to mitigate these impacts before they spiral further out of control. The situation continues to evolve as reports of production losses accumulate; “We are losing production every day. It will take weeks or months to restart,” Holsether added.