The impact of the Middle East war on food security What must be done

Rethinking Food Security The Impact of Middle East War on Fertilizer Dependence

As the world grapples with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, it is crucial to acknowledge its far-reaching impact on global food security. One critical aspect that has been exposed by this crisis is our dependence on imported fertilizers. Although only 7% of our country's fertilizer requirements are sourced from the Middle East, restrictions on maritime traffic at the Strait Hormuz affect a significant 33% of global fertilizer supply. This can lead to price escalations and force richer nations like China to corner whatever supply is available, exacerbating the crisis.

The Risks of Dependence on Imported Fertilizers

Our dependence on imported fertilizers poses significant risks to national food security and production costs. It is imperative that we rethink and change this model by investing in locally produced organic, bio-based, and mineral-based alternatives that are suited to our soil conditions.

Scaling Up Local Fertilizer Production A Path Forward

To achieve this, we must harness local resources, agricultural wastes, and scientific innovation to provide more sustainable and affordable options for farmers. This is not only an economic strategy but also a matter of national resilience. We can scale up production by supporting scientists, academicians, farmers, and entrepreneurs who have developed natural fertilizers.

Supporting Farmer Cooperatives and Local Government Units

We can provide equipment and grants to farmer cooperatives and associations or local government units (LGUs) through low-interest loans to help upscale natural fertilizer production. This will enable us to reduce our dependence on inorganic fertilizers. Additionally, we should explore other sources for inorganic or other types of fertilizers, such as North Africa and North America.

Establishing Local Fertilizer Reserves A Critical Step

To manage supply bottlenecks during critical planting seasons, let us establish local or regional fertilizer reserves. This need is magnified by the ongoing Middle East conflict, and LGUs can take the lead on this.

Upscaling Balanced Fertilization Program A Long-Term Solution

I recommend upscaling the Balanced Fertilizer program that was started when I was at the Department of Agriculture (DA). Balanced fertilization can reduce inorganic fertilizer use by up to 50% and improve soil health over the long term. This can be a path for farms to gradually shift to a more sustainable food production system.

Promoting Crop Diversification and Rotation A Key Strategy

We should also promote crop diversification and rotation among farmers, as this can improve soil health and lessen the need for inorganic inputs. Crop diversification can lead to increased yields, improved soil health, and reduced chemical use.

Addressing Structural Challenges Empowering Farmers

Dependence on inorganic fertilizer also reveals structural challenges in our food production system, which forces farmers to resort to unsustainable practices. We must address these challenges by providing affordable farm machine leasing services, establishing more solar-powered irrigation systems, and water impounding ponds that use gravity to irrigate farms at the plains.

Empowering Farmers with Knowledge A Critical Component

The real crisis in agriculture is not just the high price of inputs but the misuse of those inputs driven by lack of access to the right knowledge, tools, and support systems. We must empower farmers with knowledge grounded in science and provide them with the right training and resources to adopt sustainable practices.

Conclusion A Call to Action

In conclusion, the ongoing Middle East conflict has exposed a major flaw in our food production system – dependence on imported fertilizers. To address this crisis, we must rethink and change this model by investing in locally produced organic, bio-based, and mineral-based alternatives. We must also promote crop diversification, balanced fertilization, and farmer education to ensure a more sustainable and resilient food production system.

I urge Generation RE to take the lead in transforming our country's food production system into a sustainable model that is capable of withstanding external shocks. Let us start rebuilding, restoring, regenerating, reforming, and reconnecting agriculture with nature and humanity. The time for action is now!

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.