Increase In Food Prices Research Articles

Food Waste and Loss Management - Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions from A Nigeria Context

Food waste and loss present significant challenges globally, with Nigeria being particularly affected. This study comprehensively analyzes the causes, effects, and potential solutions to food waste within the Nigerian context. Drawing on extensive research and secondary data sources, the study highlights the pervasive nature of food waste, focusing on key sectors such as tomato, onion, and chili production. It identifies critical factors contributing to food waste, including inadequate infrastructure, pests and diseases, transportation constraints, and policy gaps. The socioeconomic impacts of food waste, such as increased food prices, exacerbated poverty, and environmental degradation, underscore the urgency of addressing this issue. However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for intervention. Nigeria can significantly reduce food waste, enhance food security, and promote economic development by implementing a holistic approach that encompasses infrastructure development, sustainable agricultural practices, and supportive policies. Additionally, individual actions, such as meal planning and supporting local farmers, play a crucial role in mitigating food waste at the grassroots level. Through collaborative efforts involving governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals, Nigeria can pave the way towards a more resilient and sustainable food system, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food while preserving the environment for future generations. The methodology employed in this study entailed data collection primarily from prior research and secondary sources such as published studies, newspapers, articles, and relevant materials. The study’s focal point centered on food waste and loss, with a specific focus on vegetable waste within the Nigerian context.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food availability and affordability: an interrupted time series analysis in Ghana

BackgroundIn Africa, approx. 675 million people were at risk of food insecurity. COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have exacerbated this situation, by damaging populations’ access to and affordability of foods. This study is aimed at estimating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on availability and prices of essential food commodities at 20 large markets in Ghana.MethodsData on food availability and food retail prices collected through weekly market-level data during the period from July 2017 to September 2020 were used in this study. We performed interrupted time-series analyses and estimated the percentage increases between the observed and predicted food prices by food group and by region to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food prices.ResultsAs a result, the impact of COVID-19 on food availability was limited. However, the results of interrupted time-series analyses indicate a significant increase in overall mean food prices in Greater Accra, Eastern and Upper East regions. It was also found that mean price of starchy roots, tubers and plantains significantly increased across regions.DiscussionThe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food availability and prices was significant but varied by food type and regions in Ghana. Continuous monitoring and responses are critical to maintain food availability and affordability.

Enduring Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Access, Nutrition, and Well-Being in Rural Appalachia.

The COVID-19 pandemic produced acute effects on health inequities, yet more enduring impacts in vulnerable populations in rural Appalachia are understudied. This qualitative study included three focus groups with thirty-nine adults (74% female, mean age 52.7 years) to obtain perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being in Martin County, Kentucky, in fall 2022. Grounded Theory was employed using an iterative inductive-deductive approach to capture the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health practices and status. Three prominent themes emerged: (1) increased social isolation; (2) household cost of living strains caused by inflation; and (3) higher food prices and diminished food availability causing shifts in food purchasing and consumption. Participants noted that the rising cost of living resulted in residents having to "choose between medication, food and utilities". Increased food prices resulted in residents "stretching" their food, modifying how they grocery shopped, and limiting meat consumption. Persistent food shortages were exacerbated by there being few grocery stores in the county. Lastly, increased social isolation was profoundly articulated as widely impacting mental health, especially among youth. Our findings underscore the ongoing deleterious effects of inflation and food supply chain disruptions in this rural, geographically isolated community, which resulted in difficult spending choices for residents.

Conflict in Ukraine and the unsettling ripples: implications on food systems and development in North Africa

AbstractThe ongoing conflict in Ukraine has profoundly impacted food systems in North Africa. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the conflict on food security in North Africa and the potential long-term consequences for the global food system. The research explores both scholarly and grey literature, including government reports, academic articles, and news articles. The findings indicate that food systems in North Africa have been particularly affected by the conflict in Ukraine, owing to its influence on the global economy, trade dynamics, and food prices. The consequent high fertilizer prices have also affected local food production, decreasing yields and increasing food prices. However, those countries with substantial financial resources (cf. Algeria) will likely be able to mitigate the adverse effects on their citizens. In contrast, countries with limited resources (cf. Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia) or failed states (cf. Libya) may struggle to ensure the food security of their populations. The findings highlight the importance of considering these impacts when addressing global food security challenges. The food security situation in North Africa serves as a reminder of the interconnectivity of global food systems and the need for continued efforts to ensure food security for all.

Evolution of food price inflation in the European Union 27 member states

ABSTRACT The objective of the research is to investigate the evolution of food price inflation in the 27 Member States between January 2001 and May 2022. Our paper focuses on the role of global oil prices, exchange rate volatility, and the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which started in February 2022 and their effects on food prices. We compiled a panel data set that includes monthly values. Based on the a priori test results, Granger causality test, panel ADRL model, along with Random Effects (RE), linear regression with panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE), cointegration regression using panel fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) regression methods and panel event study estimation were applied. Our result shows that both the increasing Brent oil prices and the fluctuating exchange rates significantly stimulated food price inflation in the EU-27. Data demonstrates that Russia’s war against Ukraine also contributed to increasing food prices in the EU-27. In this regard, we also provide a country-level analysis. Our results contribute to theoretical analyses, as well as the implication for policymakers, and food service companies.

Report of the Task Force on Food Security

The Report on Food Security was prepared by the Task Force set up in the Planning Commission by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in May 2008 to: (i) review the production, availability, storage, and consumption of essential food commodities in Pakistan; (ii) examine the food procurement system and status of storage facilities; (iii) analyse price trends of essential food commodities; (iv) assess the impact of (food) price hike (observed in 2007-08) on vulnerable groups; and (v) devise an action plan for promoting food security for the vulnerable groups. It produced two Interim Reports in July 2008 and September 2008 before the submission of the Final Report in February 2009. The setting up of the Task Force by the newly elected government soon after it had taken over was timely in that it preceded the start of the ‘Rabi sowing season for the next (winter 2008-09) wheat crop, the staple food in Pakistan. It must also be seen in the context of the unprecedented increase in global food prices in 2007-08 and rising threat of hunger and food insecurity, especially in developing countries. The need for evolving a comprehensive national strategy for food security was therefore pressing and urgent. The main elements of the national strategy for food security identified by the Task Force are: (i) achieving a growth rate of at least 4 percent during the next decade (2010 2020) for agricultural sector with special focus on livestock sub-sector; (ii) setting up an efficient food procurement and distribution system for ensuring around the year food security in all regions of the country; (iii) adopting a pro-poor growth strategy to enhance access of poor households to food; (iv) establishing transparent and efficient safety nets for the vulnerable groups. An important contribution of the Report was the construction of a food security index (FSI) incorporating (with suitable weights) major aspects of food security. It also recommended the adoption and frequent updating of the proposed FSI to monitor food security situation in the country.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact consumers’ food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices? A multi-country study on the omicron variant

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic is not a foodborne infectious disease, but it has dramatically impacted food safety practices worldwide due to its potential for transmission through contaminated surfaces and food. Accordingly, the Omicron variant seems to have affected food-related activities and behaviours and disturbed food supply networks since its appearance in November 2021. Hence, this paper aims to assess how the Omicron variant impacted food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst adult consumers in five countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Russia.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on an online survey. The questionnaire was developed and revised based on previous research on the impact of previous COVID-19 waves on food-related activities in several countries. The questionnaire was distributed through the SurveyMonkey platform from January 15 to February 25, 2022. It consisted of 29 multiple-choice and one-option questions organised into three sections. A total of 6,483 valid responses were received. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used to analyse the survey results.FindingsAccording to the survey findings, food safety practices evolved during the Omicron wave in the studied countries. Firstly, less than half of the sample used a face mask whilst purchasing food. Secondly, regarding food safety knowledge, the survey results suggest that there is still a lack of knowledge in the studied countries. Thirdly, the survey indicates a lack of knowledge amongst the respondents regarding food safety attitudes. For instance, more than a third of the sample (34.4%) are unsure whether the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through food. These results are surprising and alarming, especially considering that our sample has a higher education than the population of the studied countries.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this research is the sample bias. Survey participants were randomly chosen, enrolled voluntarily and not rewarded. As a result, the questionnaire was self-administered and completed exclusively by people motivated by an interest in the topic. Consequently, our survey does not represent the general population of the studied countries. People with a high degree of education and women, for example, were overrepresented in our sample.Originality/valueThis study is unique in that it is the first to gather information and analyse people’s perceptions of the effects of the Omicron variant on food safety. As a result, the findings of this survey offer a solid basis for future investigations into the impact of the pandemic on food safety in the Balkan region and Russia. This study can help further understand the changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides crucial insights that can be used to guide future decision-making and policy development regarding improving food safety practices. This and other future studies will be a foundation for organisational and government readiness for future shocks, crises and pandemics. The effects of the present Ukrainian conflict on agricultural systems and supply chains throughout the globe (e.g. increased food prices) show that this is timely, urgent and highly required.

The intergenerational impact of electoral violence on height and human capital

This paper examines whether prenatal, childhood, and teenage exposure to electoral violence has any long-term effects on height and human capital in Kenya. First, using the difference-in-difference estimator, we show that areas impacted by electoral violence see increases in local food prices and a decrease in annual nightlight, suggesting important local consumption shocks. We then identify people exposed to such violence using a nationally representative survey and take advantage of the temporal and spatial variation of electoral violence in Kenya between 1992 and 2013. Using coarsened exact matching, we find that exposure to electoral violence between prenatal and the age of sixteen reduces adult height. Previous research has demonstrated that protracted, large-scale armed conflicts can cause significant nutritional shocks and pass down stunting effects to descendants. In line with these studies, we find that the low-scale but recurrent electoral violence in Kenya has impacted the height-for-age of children whose parents were exposed to such violence while they were growing up. Only boys exhibit this intergenerational effect, possibly due to their increased susceptibility to malnutrition and stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa. The fact that most electoral violence in Kenya occurs over the school holidays may help explain why, in contrast to previous studies on large-scale conflicts, childhood exposure to electoral violence has no lasting impact on educational attainment.

FOOD AVAILABILITY AND STATE SUPPORT FOR FOOD SECURITY DURING WAR

FOOD AVAILABILITY AND STATE SUPPORT FOR FOOD SECURITY DURING WAR

Identifying the COVID-19 Transmission Channels on Poverty and Food Security in Refugee-Hosting Districts of Uganda

It is well documented that COVID-19 increased poverty and food insecurity all over the world, especially in fragile contexts. However, it is still unclear how its effects were transmitted to these two outcomes. This paper aims to identify the mechanisms through which COVID-19 affected poverty and food insecurity in refugee-hosting districts in Uganda. We use path analysis with household fixed effects to identify the main pathways, differentiating between refugee and host households, and considering the heterogeneity among them in terms of income source (agricultural vs. non-agricultural households), and market position (food net-buyers vs. net-sellers vs. self-sufficient households). The analysis shows that COVID-19 significantly affected labour participation and increased food value chain disruption, increasing poverty and food insecurity. Refugees have been affected more than hosts by the COVID-19 direct and indirect effects. Host households could benefit from the increase in food prices, while refugees were mainly affected by the effect on the labour market. As expected, net-buyers are the group most affected by food value chain disruption and, along with non-agricultural households, the ones that were most affected in terms of food security.

Transdisciplinary Research as a Means of Protecting Human Health, Ecosystems and Climate by Engaging People to Act on Air Pollution

Abstract Air pollution harms the health of humans, nature and wildlife, agricultural crops and livestock and climate. As a result, it hinders the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Change). In order to improve human and (agro-)ecosystem health, One Health approaches for better air quality must account for local knowledge, cultural practices and priorities. People with lower socio-economic status often have limited awareness of air pollution yet are affected most through personal exposure and increased food prices. This case trialled a new, co-created transdisciplinary approach to air pollution awareness raising in the Mukuru community in Nairobi, Kenya. The pilot study used interviews, storytelling, participatory mapping, theatre, playful activities and music with the aim of discovering affected communities’ perceptions of air pollution, increasing understanding and empowering people to demand that policy makers develop and implement effective, inclusive air pollution abatement policies. Information © The Authors 2024

Innovative Methods of Encapsulation and Enrichment of Cereal-Based Pasta Products with Biofunctional Compounds

Nowadays, cognizant consumers expect products that, in addition to fulfilling a nutritional role, exhibit health-promoting properties and contribute to overall well-being. They expect an increase in the nutritional value of the staple foods that they often consume, such as pasta, through the incorporation of bioactive compounds. Due to their susceptibility to photo- and thermolability, it is necessary to protect biocompounds against external factors. A modern approach to protecting bioactive compounds is microencapsulation. The aim of this article was to present various microencapsulation methods (including spray-drying, freeze-drying, liposomes, and others) and a review of research on the use of microencapsulated bioactive compounds in pasta. The discussed literature indicates that it is possible to use microencapsulated bioactive compounds, such as fatty acids or phenolic compounds, in this product. However, further research is necessary to develop the possibility of reducing the costs of such a procedure so that the benefits for consumers are greater than the disadvantages, which are an increase in food prices. There is also little research on the use of microencapsulated probiotics, vitamins, and minerals in pasta, which also represents an opportunity for development in this aspect.

Prevalence of food insecurity amid COVID-19 lockdowns and sociodemographic indicators of household vulnerability in Harar and Kersa, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with widespread social disruptions, as governments implemented lockdowns to quell disease spread. To advance knowledge of consequences for households in resource-limited countries, we examine food insecurity during the pandemic period.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study and used logistic regression to examine factors associated with food insecurity. Data were collected between August and September of 2021 through a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) using a survey instrument focused on knowledge regarding the spread of COVID-19; food availability; COVID-19 related shocks/coping; under-five child healthcare services; and healthcare services for pregnant women. The study is set in two communities in Eastern Ethiopia, one rural (Kersa) and one urban (Harar), and included a random sample of 880 households.ResultsRoughly 16% of households reported not having enough food to eat during the pandemic, an increase of 6% since before the pandemic. After adjusting for other variables, households were more likely to report food insecurity if they were living in an urban area, were a larger household, had a family member lose employment, reported an increase in food prices, or were food insecure before the pandemic. Households were less likely to report food insecurity if they were wealthier or had higher household income.ConclusionsAfter taking individual and household level sociodemographic characteristics into consideration, households in urban areas were at higher risk for food insecurity. These findings suggest a need for expanding food assistance programs to more urban areas to help mitigate the impact of lockdowns on more vulnerable households.

Does Climate Change Cause an Upsurge in Food Prices?

Climate change is the reason behind most contemporary economic problems. The rising inflationary pressures in the food sector are one of these problems, and stable food prices are a necessity for economic development and social cohesion in societies. Therefore, this study analyzes the relationship between food prices and climate change in Nigeria by using various non-linear and quantile-based methods and data from 2008m5 to 2020m12. The empirical findings indicate that (i) there is a time- and frequency-based dependence between food prices and some explanatory variables, including climate change (i.e., temperature). (ii) At higher quantiles, temperature, oil prices, food exports, monetary expansion, global food prices, agricultural prices, and fertilizer prices stimulate food prices. (iii) The increase in food prices due to the rise in temperature and the difficulties in agriculture indicate that the heatflation phenomenon is present in Nigeria. The evidence outlines that Nigerian decisionmakers should adopt a national food security policy that considers environmental, agricultural, and monetary factors to stabilize food prices.

FORMATION OF DEMAND AND SUPPLY IN AGRICULTURAL MARKETS OF UKRAINE IN CONDITIONS OF EXTRAORDINARY CHALLENGES

Modern global instability caused by economic, social and natural factors, which requires a deep understanding and analysis of the impact of such conditions on the formation of demand and supply in the agricultural sector. The relevance of the study is determined by the acute nature of the extraordinary challenges faced by the agricultural sector of Ukraine. In connection with the instability of the economic and political situation, agricultural markets become the object of increased influence of external factors, such as military conflicts, economic sanctions and changes in climatic conditions. Taking into account the dynamism of the market and the search for optimal answers to challenges makes this topic important for the scientific community and practical participants of the agricultural sector. The purpose of the research is to conduct a detailed scientific and practical substantiation of the peculiarities of the formation of demand and supply in the agricultural markets of Ukraine in conditions of extraordinary challenges. The research used general scientific (generalization, comparison, induction and deduction) and empirical-theoretical methods (analysis, synthesis). The use of system- structural and statistical analysis made it possible to analyze the Ukrainian agricultural market and allowed to determine changes in consumer demand for the main groups of products, taking into account economic, social and geopolitical factors. It was found out that the subject of purchase and sale on the agrarian market is agricultural products, the characteristics and peculiarities of production of which determine the uniqueness of the agrarian market in comparison with other types of markets. It has been established that the population's food needs are fully met, and as a result, the country has the opportunity to export products. On the basis of the obtained results, it was established that as a result of a significant increase in food prices, a possible reduction in the assortment of these products and a loss of stable income among the population, it was found that they will lead to a shift in the balance of consumption in favor of bakery products and semi-finished products, which is caused by a decrease in the consumption of livestock products, fish and seasonal products. The results of the study can be used to develop an effective policy of state regulation aimed at increasing the competitiveness of agricultural markets, and can also be used for the further development of risk management programs and strategies in the agricultural sector.

Effects of COVID-19 on the food security status of rural farming households. Evidence from Nigeria

For the past couple of decades, food insecurity has become a major global phenomenon, which makes zero hunger the second Sustainable Development Goal. Nevertheless, COVID-19 has set in and posed a serious threat to the food system. Thus, there is a need to assess its effect on food security. This study, therefore, examined the effects of COVID-19 on the food security of rural farming households in Enugu State, Nigeria. Data collected from 120 households were analysed using descriptive statistics, the food security index, and logistic regression. The results revealed that the majority (64.5%) of the households with a shortfall index of 0.313 were food insecure, while only 35.5% were food secure with a surplus index of 0.109. The average daily equivalent calorie consumption of adults in food insecure and food secure households was 1552.52 and 2506.88 kcal, respectively. Low food availability (p<0.01), an increase in food prices (p<0.01), and the inability to harvest crops (p<0.1) increased the probability of food insecurity. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the imposed lockdown has affected household food security. In contrast, access to credit (p<0.01), education (p<0.1), cooperative memberships (p<0.01), and income (p<0.05) positively influenced food security status. Reducing rational consumption, eating less expensive food, skipping meals, borrowing money to buy food, allowing children to eat first, and engaging in additional small-scale productivity activities were the major food insecurity coping strategies adopted by households during COVID-19. The study recommends the provision of farm inputs and financial support to farmers by governments and NGOs to curb the adverse effects of COVID-19 on food security.

Stakes and Challenges of Sino-Cameroon Agriculture Cooperation 2008 -2023

Sino-Cameroon Agriculture cooperation has been the engine of Agricultural development especially in the rural communities in Cameroon where china seek for vast tracts of land for agricultural investments. The recent increase in food prices and the high demand for agricultural products in Cameroon and its neighbouring countries have created a scenario for China to invest in agriculture in Cameroon in order to meet the demand in the national and international scene. This opens a lacuna for Chinese companies to sign concessions with the Cameroon government to acquire vast hectares of land for large scale agricultural investments. Chinese companies in Cameroon have been involved in the cultivation of Rice, Maize, Cassava and many other products in order to meet the national and international demands. These companies have acquired vacant and unproductive land in Cameroon for foreign direct investments especially in the locality of Nanga Eboko and santchou.This paper seeks to examine the contributions of the Sino- Cameroon agriculture in the development of Cameroon. A qualitative research protocol was explore to understand the paradigms of the Sino- Cameroon agriculture in Cameroon in strengthening the Sino – Cameroon Cooperation and to meet the high demand of agricultural products. The results portrays that the Sino-Cameroon agriculture cooperation has contributed a great deal to solve the problem of food insecurity in Cameroon. Mechanised agriculture has also been promoted in Cameroon through these ventures which have greatly contributed in the high production of agricultural products to solve the national and international concerns. However large scale land concessions for agricultural investments have affected the rural population that depends of land for their livelihood. This paper therefore makes prospects on revisiting the long term land concessions for agricultural investments and implementing diverse techniques in order to ensure a sustainable and win- win cooperation.

Has food security in the EU countries worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic? Analysis of physical and economic access to food.

The aim of the paper is to provide an ex-post assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity in the EU-27 countries expressed by physical and economic food access. We analysed trade and price effects, together with food insecurity and malnutrition indicators. Actual levels of the indicators were compared with their pre-pandemic magnitudes and/or with counterfactual levels derived from predictive models. We also aimed to compare the objective statistics with the subjective consumers' perception of their households' food security. Our research indicates that the EU food trade was more resilient to COVID-19 impacts than the trade in non-food products, while food trade decreases were of a temporary nature. This did not affect the trade balance significantly; however, the import reduction threatened the physical food access in most EU countries. Regarding economic food access, the results indicate that the increase in food prices was offset by the increase in disposable income. It may suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the deterioration of economic access to food in the EU countries. However, the prevalence of severe food insecurity in the total population or the proportion of households reporting inability to afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent increased in 2020-2021 compared to 2019. This means that the comparative analysis of the real data on prices and households' income, as well as consumer financial situation and food consumption affordability, does not offer a clear answer concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food security of EU households.

Food Inflation and Household Welfare: A Qualitative Study in The City of Banda Aceh

The results of this study, which was conducted using a field survey (observation) and interviews over seven days in November 2023, showed that food inflation had a negative impact on household welfare in Banda Aceh City. The increase in food prices affects household expenditure, consumption, and health. In dealing with food inflation, households are advised to grow vegetables by utilizing the narrow land around the house to meet some of their food needs. The government is expected to implement policies to avoid food price increases. So that household welfare becomes better with increased purchasing power. These findings suggest practical solutions for households and the government to mitigate the negative effects of food inflation. It is also suggested that future research can be conducted in more depth by comparing Banda Aceh City and other districts in Aceh Province.

SYSTEMIC DETERMINANTS OF GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY ENSURING GEOPOLITICAL TURBULENCE

Introduction. Recent events have demonstrated that the growth of geopolitical turbulence has a detrimental impact on the food security of the world’s poorest countries. Often, its consequences include economic wars, armed interstate conflicts, intrastate military-political confrontations, and economic crises. These factors ultimately lead to price increases and disruptions in food supply chains, resulting in increased poverty, limited access to fertile land, and, most importantly, the destruction of the foundations of the national economy. This, in turn, lowers the GDP per capita significantly, affecting the population’s consumer capabilities and jeopardizing a sufficient level of nutrition. The purpose of the is to generalize the systemic determinants of modern geopolitical turbulence and substantiate their impact on global food security while outlining recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of global institutions in ensuring the food security of the world’s poorest countries. Results. Systemic determinants of modern geopolitical turbulence are examined, and their impact on global food security is substantiated. The primary reasons for the increase in world food prices have been unveiled. A correlation analysis of indicators affecting the dynamics of the share and number of undernourished population, reflecting population income, the number of military conflicts, the level of global warming, and food prices, was carried out. Consequently, it has been proven that geopolitical turbulence has a significantly negative impact on food security in various countries worldwide. Notably, over the past 20-25 years, the African continent has become one of the main focal points of geopolitical conflicts, with their foundation rooted in the struggle for resources through political and military influence on the governments of certain African countries. The research has demonstrated that geopolitical conflicts and the risks associated with geopolitical turbulence are determinants exacerbating the food crisis in African countries. Conclusions. It has been proven that a country’s level of food security is closely related to the poverty level of its population. It is argued that humanitarian missions aimed at assisting malnourished populations will only postpone the resolution of hunger, while ongoing military and economic conflicts do not contribute to poverty reduction. It is substantiated that, in order to increase global food security, global organizations and geopolitical players should focus on the economic and political development of the world’s poorest countries, since the prolongation of both intrastate and interstate military-political conflicts serves as a source of geopolitical turbulence and exacerbates the global food crisis.