The rise of global food insecurity: How is the TCI responding?

The world is stunned, as Russia’s hypersonic missiles pounded the Ukraine city of Odesa – a major seaport and transport hub, graced by the Black Sea's northwestern shore and one of three harbours for grain exports.

Not only are those on the battlefield expunged, but an unlikely victim – food – is caught in the crosshairs. The Russians’ aggression is destroying farms, crops and food supplies, and disrupting the global food market.

After weeks of negotiations, Moscow exited the UN-brokered grain initiative, which facilitated the export of grains from the Black Sea– expired on July 17, 2023.

This move has compounded the global food crisis and now, communities worldwide are at risk of acute food insecurity at unprecedented proportions. The number of people impacted has increased from 135 million in 53 countries to 345 million in 79

BY D MARKIE SPRING

countries this year.

Prior, we witnessed labour shortages and supply chain disruptions from manufacturing to grocery stores; but now, the paradigm has shifted following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as trade policies imposed by countries soared and this has increased domestic supply to reduce prices.

And India, the world’s largest rice exporter to 140 countries and accounting for 40 per cent of all rice exports, seems to be the biggest champion of these transborder policies. Since then, New Delhi has banned rice exports, aimed at curbing the current food dilemmas, while ensuring adequate food supplies for Indian citizens.

Like other nations, the future of the TCI lies in its ability to achieve sustainability and food security, as the TCI is not immune to world events.

More so, lawmakers should know, as of June 2023, twenty countries have implemented 27 food export bans and another 10 implemented 14 export-limiting measures.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's 10-year assessment of agriculture commodity and fish market at the global and national levels detected a threat to global food security. The analysis submits that soaring agriculture input prices and rising fertiliser costs will lead to higher food prices.

Considering that these projections are based on current trade-related policies, consumer preferences and production technology, uncertainties in worsening climatic conditions like prolonged droughts and extreme temperatures; geopolitics as seen worldwide and; economic development in India could also influence production capacity.

Besides, lawmakers must know, global food shortage is inescapable owing to the aforementioned factors and only countries with proactive measures will survive.

And so, countries worldwide are investing heavily in food and agriculture to improve the resilience of food systems and; therefore, the TCI is urged to strengthen its agriculture sector.

To achieve this target, policymakers must work to enhance its climate resilience and adopt climate-smart agriculture practices, while increasing competitiveness and inclusion, and ensuring medium to long-term food security.

So I ask, how is the TCI navigating through these tectonic shifts in world politics? How can we thrive when the sustainability of food and agriculture is constantly disrupted by severe climatic conditions, global conflicts and inflation? And why is nonintervention so prevalent?

The government’s interest and ability to efficiently respond to these questions will determine our survival.

My hope is, one day, the TCI can be self-sustained in food production and help us survive in the impending global food crisis!