Ukraine Conflict: Impacts on Agricultural Markets and Food Security

The conflict in Ukraine led to rapid spikes of already high energy, agricultural commodity, and fertilizer prices. Although commodity prices have come down from their peaks, inflation remains rampant in many countries, creating food affordability concerns around the world. This is compounding the precarious fiscal situation of low- and middle-income countries which are also dealing with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and raising serious concerns for food security, both in the short and long term. In the words of UN Secretary-General Guterres, “the war is supercharging a three-dimensional crisis – food, energy, and finance – that is pummeling some of the world’s most vulnerable people, countries and economies.”

Since the start of the conflict, CGIAR researchers have been closely monitoring this crisis at the global and national levels, with the aim of identifying countries’ vulnerabilities and needs, and engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders on evidence-based policy responses. To address differing impacts, policy responses must be adapted to the context and needs of specific countries and populations.

In May 2022, a CGIAR report, Seven Actions to Limit the Impact of War in Ukraine on Global Food Security, identified short-term and long-term priority actions for global policy makers to mitigate supply and price shocks and to improve resilience to future crises. Over the last yeaer, CGIAR scientists have continued to share analysis, evidence and insight through articles and blog posts. Explore coverage from across international media and the CGIAR system below.