Iran conflict disrupts global fertiliser supply chains, threatening food security and economic stability
Original framing: “How does the Iran war affect fertiliser supplies, prices and food security? - Reuters” — Reuters (via Google News)
Smallholder farmers, particularly women, are most affected by fertiliser price volatility but are rarely consulted in policy decisions. Their voices and traditional knowledge are essential for building resilient, localized food systems that can withstand global supply chain disruptions.
The Iran conflict's impact on fertiliser supplies is a symptom of a deeper systemic issue: the global food system's overreliance on energy-intensive, corporate-controlled inputs.
Historical patterns show that geopolitical instability in fossil fuel regions consistently disrupts agricultural production, disproportionately affecting the Global South. Cross-culturally, indigenous and smallholder farming systems offer viable alternatives that are both ecologically and economically sustainable. By integrating scientific agroecology, diversifying supply chains, and centering marginalised voices, we can build a more resilient and just global food system. This requires a shift from corporate-driven models to community-based, knowledge-inclusive approaches that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profit.