THE GRASS SUFFERS WHEN ELEPHANTS FIGHT: LESSONS FOR AFRICA FROM THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT

Abstract

Hunger, poverty, malnutrition, and unstable food systems are among the societal challenges facing the African continent. These difficulties result from Africa’s inability to address external shocks such as poor economic growth and widespread conflict. Furthermore, the continent is still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, which devastated its developmental prospects. Increased dependence on Russia and Ukraine for vital supplies such as wheat and sunflower oil has exacerbated Africa’s food insecurity crisis. This paper examines how the Russia-Ukraine conflict has affected Africa’s food supply and how, in the future, the continent can secure food supply in times of uncertainty. The authors submit that Africa must improve its agricultural production systems to reduce reliance on other countries and promote long-term food supply.