Africa’s food systems are facing fresh pressure as global fertiliser supplies are disrupted by conflict in the Persian Gulf, exposing the continent’s heavy dependence on imports and raising concerns over rising food insecurity.
New analysis highlights that nearly 80% of fertiliser used across Africa is imported, making the region highly vulnerable to global supply shocks. The ongoing crisis linked to Iran has already disrupted key supply chains, with experts warning that the impact could ripple across farming, food prices, and nutrition.
Supply Disruptions Hit Critical Trade Routes
A major bottleneck has emerged at the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping corridors for energy and fertiliser exports. Shipping activity in the narrow channel has dropped sharply since the conflict escalated, preventing fertiliser supplies from leaving Gulf countries.
Iran, one of the world’s leading exporters of urea a key fertiliser ingredient has been a major supplier to countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania. At the same time, production in Qatar has also been affected after gas facilities were hit, further tightening global supply.
With limited alternatives and no global fertiliser reserve system in place, shortages are already pushing prices higher, placing additional strain on farmers across sub-Saharan Africa.
Farmers Face Rising Costs and Falling Yields
The disruption comes at a time when African agriculture is still recovering from earlier shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. During those crises, many farmers reduced fertiliser use to cope with rising costs leading to lower crop yields and reduced incomes.
Experts warn that a repeat scenario could unfold, with smallholder farmers once again forced to cut back on inputs, potentially worsening food shortages and increasing the cost of staple crops such as maize, wheat, and rice.
Beyond production, the crisis could also affect food affordability and nutrition, particularly in rural communities where access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods is already limited.
Shift Toward Resilient and Sustainable Farming
Researchers say the current crisis highlights the urgent need to rethink Africa’s agrifood systems and reduce reliance on imported fertilisers.
Suggested solutions include expanding agroforestry, promoting home gardens, and increasing the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops such as pulses, fruits, and vegetables. Other strategies include sustainable aquaculture, improved food storage systems, and the use of biofortified crops that deliver higher nutritional value with fewer inputs.
Innovations in agricultural technology are also emerging. Scientists, including those at Cornell University, are developing “reporter plants” that can signal when soil nutrients are low, helping farmers use fertilisers more efficiently and reduce waste.
Experts stress that no single solution will be enough. Instead, a combination of policy reforms, investment, and innovation will be required to build resilient food systems capable of withstanding global shocks.
The fertiliser crisis triggered by the Iran conflict serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected global supply chains are and how quickly disruptions in one region can impact food security thousands of miles away.
Without urgent action, analysts warn, Africa’s dependence on external inputs could continue to leave millions vulnerable to future crises.