Global Fertiliser Shortages Exacerbated by Iran Conflict: Systemic Implications for Food Security
Original framing: “Fertiliser groups cut production as Iran war squeezes sulphur supplies” — Financial Times
The history of fertiliser production is closely tied to the development of Western agricultural practices, which have had a profound impact on global food systems. The use of synthetic fertilisers has been a key driver of the Green Revolution, but it has also led to soil degradation and water pollution. In contrast, traditional agricultural practices often relied on natural fertilisers and crop rotation, which could provide a more sustainable alternative.
The disruption of sulphur supplies highlights the need for more resilient and adaptable agricultural systems that can respond to changing global conditions.
This requires a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of sustainable agriculture, which prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and the well-being of the land and the community. The use of traditional knowledge and practices, such as context-specific fertiliser production and agroforestry, could provide a more resilient alternative to Western-based fertiliser systems, and challenge the dominant narratives around sustainable agriculture. Ultimately, this requires a shift towards more inclusive and equitable approaches to sustainable agriculture, which prioritise the needs and perspectives of marginalised communities.