Conflicts and food insecurity

Where there are wars, hunger follows. Today, millions of people are affected by food insecurity linked to conflicts... Entire communities no longer have access to basic foods. And in an interconnected world experiencing the effects of climate change, the impact of these crises is spreading more and more rapidly, farther and farther.
But there are ways to restore hope. The key lies in cooperation, international collaboration, and humanitarian action.‍

Conflicts: the driver of hunger‍

In conflict zones, infrastructure is demolished, fields are abandoned, trade routes are cut off.

Farmers, on the front line, are seeing their livelihoods disappear. Irrigation systems, granaries, and local markets are being destroyed. Seeds, farm tools, and livestock are often stolen or destroyed. They can no longer grow, sell, or buy food.

In countries like Syria or Afghanistan, the war damaged irrigation networks, roads and markets, creating total dependence on external aid. In 2011, before the conflict, Syria was self-sufficient. Now, it depends massively on international aid.

Did you know that? Eight of the ten African countries most severely affected by food insecurity are in the grip of conflicts. 

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The influence of conflicts on global supply chains 

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Conflicts are disrupting global food supply chains, causing food insecurity that extends well beyond areas of tension. The war in Ukraine since 2022 is a good illustration of this.. The production and exports of this country, one of the largest exporters of wheat, sunflower, maize and rapeseed, have been completely disrupted. This has led to soaring food prices, especially in regions of the world that rely on these imports, such as Africa and the Middle East.

Did you know that? Somalia depends entirely on wheat imports from Russia and Ukraine, while Sudan gets 75% from these two countries.‍

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Forced displacement and food insecurity‍

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In times of war, millions of people flee their homes. These massive displacements are creating humanitarian crises where access to food is becoming critical. In refugee camps, food provided mainly by international organizations is often inadequate.
In 2023, The conflict in Sudan, which broke out in April, is a striking example. The clashes between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (FSR) resulted a serious humanitarian crisis. 2.1 million people have taken refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt and South Sudan. Far from their homes, all survive in precarious conditions. The infrastructures for drinking water are insufficient or even absent. Food and medicine are sorely lacking. Children are more vulnerable to epidemics.

Did you know that? After 15 months of conflict, the Famine Review Committee (CRF) confirmed a famine situation in the Zamzam camp, located in North Darfur, which is home to more than 400,000 displaced persons.

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Food insecurity and climate change: a factor of conflicts‍

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Food insecurity can also be a cause of conflicts. When people don't have enough to eat, they fight to survive. Hunger drives communities to despair. This can lead to tensions, revolts, and ultimately wars. Climate change is playing a crucial role in worsening these tensions.
Indeed, recurrent droughts, irregular rainfall, and extreme temperatures directly affect agricultural production. Crop yields are decreasing due to soil degradation, water scarcity, and weather conditions. Food insecurity is intensifying, leading to an increase in malnutrition and poverty. This food insecurity can push populations to migrate or enter into conflicts over access to resources.

In West, East and Central Africa, for example, the prolonged drought has contributed to the rise of inter-communal conflicts. Farmers and ranchers are fighting for the few remaining resources: water, land, and pastures.

Moreover, young people, who are often deprived of economic opportunities, are more vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups. In areas where famine is rife, joining these groups may seem like the only option to survive. Thus, hunger directly fuels cycles of violence.

Did you know that? The Sahel is at the heart of a rapidly worsening crisis, marked by an unprecedented intensification of armed violence, exacerbated by recurrent climate events. The situation caused cereal production to fall by 25% and forced nearly five million people to flee their homes, including 1.8 million in Burkina Faso and 1 million in Chad. Heavy rains and floods in 2022 led to the deaths of 379 people and affected around 1.9 million inhabitants.‍

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Ensuring food security in the world despite conflicts‍

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It is not too late to transform the future of these abused countries, to give hope to these populations in need, to ensure food security for them. How? By strengthening synergy between the fields of humanitarian, development and peace building. But that is not all. Bold strategies are urgently needed to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change!

First of all, Ending conflicts is a priority. Peace is the prerequisite for overcoming food insecurity. Peace agreements must incorporate strategies to rebuild agricultural infrastructure and relaunch the rural economy.

Humanitarian aid also plays a key role. International organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), are working tirelessly to bring food to conflict zones. Their actions save millions of lives every year. But emergency aid is not enough. We need to invest in sustainable solutions.

The development of resilient food systems is crucial. This means supporting small-scale farmers, optimizing rural infrastructure, and ensuring access to seeds and agricultural equipment. Modern technologies, such as drip irrigation or precision agriculture, can help improve productivity in conflict-affected areas.

Education is also part of the solution. By teaching younger generations sustainable agricultural practices, we can create a more resilient future. Agricultural training programs and local cooperatives can enable farmers to diversify their crops, improve their yields, and make their communities more resilient to crises.

At LIFE, we are intervening urgently, but we are also working to ensure the reconstruction of communities. Present in Palestine for many years, we are redoubling our efforts to help the population gaza since the worsening of the conflict (distribution of food packages, hygiene kits, toys, medicines, etc.)

In Lebanon, In the Abu Ibrahim camp where many Syrian refugees have settled, we are doing everything we can to improve their living conditions. Construction of water tanks and a solar panel system for a borehole, construction of latrines and septic tanks, addition of gravel to the paths, replacement of tent tarpaulins, etc. We also try to give hope to children by offering them fun activities and by supporting their return to school through the distribution of school kits.

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In many countries, we make every effort to also ensure resilience and the empowerment of populations in need by acting on several aspects: environment and the fight against climate change, water, education. The projects are numerous and sustainable. ‍

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International cooperation: hope for the future‍

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Finally, international cooperation is crucial to solving this problem. Governments, NGOs and international institutions must join forces. Initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to eradicate hunger by 2030. Although this goal seems ambitious, it is achievable with strong political will and the mobilization of resources.

Local solutions should also be encouraged.. Communities are often in the best position to understand and solve their challenges. It is therefore essential to involve them in decision-making processes. This requires supporting women, who are often the first to suffer from food insecurity, but who play a central role in food production and distribution.

Humanity has overcome multiple crises in the past. Hunger and conflicts can be resolved, but it requires joint efforts. The solutions exist and are within our reach. There is a long way to go, but there is hope. There are numerous examples of peace regained and agricultural recovery after conflicts. Rwanda, for example, experienced an impressive recovery after the 1994 genocide.. By focusing in particular on peace and agricultural development, the country has made considerable progress in the fight against hunger.

Every action counts. Every effort to promote peace, support farmers, or provide humanitarian aid can make a difference. Together, we can build a world where there is no room for war or hunger. Food insecurity is not inevitable. It is a challenge, yes, but one that we can meet. Peace, cooperation and global solidarity are the keys to a future without hunger.

Together, we can make a difference.

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