Surge in Fertilizer Prices: Africa Faces Unprecedented Food Security Threat, Official Says
Surge in Fertilizer Prices: Africa Faces Unprecedented Food Security Threat, Official Says
The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East is causing a genuine shock to fertilizer markets, observed Malick Niang, a member of the WAFA Fertilizer board of directors.
“The threat is direct and serious, and it is characterized by a triple effect,” he explains to Sputnik Africa.
First, a supply shock linked to logistical blockages. Approximately 16 to 17 million tonnes of fertilizer usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Second, a dramatic price explosion, amplified by the rise in natural gas prices, which account for “about 80% of the production cost of nitrogen fertilizers.” Finally, a worsening of the structural vulnerabilities of African agricultures.
In sub-Saharan Africa, fertilizer use stands at only 15 to 17 kg per hectare, compared with 130 to 140 kg in Asia.
“Even a very small price increase can lead to a reduction in use […] and therefore an immediate impact on yields,” Niang warned.
Faced with this crisis, the continent’s food security is more threatened than ever, he emphasizes.
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