Global Hunger Risks Soar Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine has significantly increased global food insecurity risks. The conflict is disrupting grain exports, particularly from Ukraine, which supplied 10% of global wheat exports and 15% of corn before the full-scale invasion.

Daily Maverick estimates that around 645 million people worldwide face hunger. The blocking of Ukraine's trade routes by Russia raises food prices and worsens the situation for vulnerable population groups, including in Gaza and Sudan.

The situation is further exacerbated by El Niño, which will cause a rainfall deficit, delayed rains, and above-average temperatures in southern Africa over the next two to three months. This could reduce yields, deplete pastures and water reserves, affecting more than 12.8 million people already experiencing acute food insecurity.