Iran-Qatar conflict disrupts ammonia supply chain, escalating fertilizer costs and food insecurity in Asia
Original framing: “War on Iran threatens Asia’s food supply as fertiliser prices surge” — South China Morning Post
The reliance on synthetic fertilizers dates back to the Green Revolution of the 1960s, which was driven by Western agrochemical companies and supported by colonial and post-colonial governments. This historical pattern continues to shape food systems in the Global South.
The disruption of ammonia production in Qatar by Iran underscores the deep entanglement of geopolitical conflict, fossil fuel dependency, and global food systems.
This event reveals how colonial-era supply chains and corporate-controlled agricultural models leave food systems vulnerable to shocks. Indigenous knowledge and agroecological practices offer viable alternatives that prioritize resilience and sustainability. By integrating scientific research, cross-cultural wisdom, and the voices of marginalized farmers, we can build food systems that are less dependent on volatile geopolitical and energy markets. Policy reform and investment in decentralized, community-based food production are essential to achieving this transformation.