Most wars of the late 20th and early 21st centuries have been intertwined with food: it has been used as a weapon, food and related infrastructure have been damaged, and food insecurity has lingered as a consequence of conflict. Often, this food insecurity becomes a trigger or underlying cause of further conflict. This article analyzes 54 countries experiencing active conflict, hosting refugees, or dealing with the legacies of conflict, all of which faced “crisis-level” acute food insecurity in 2023. This means they were at Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 3 or higher. In total, nearly 278 million people in these countries faced crisis-level hunger in 2023, representing 99% of the global population at IPC 3+ (281.6 million people).
Analysis reveals that war-displacement-hunger crises often occur in countries heavily reliant on primary product exports. Ironically, peacebuilding efforts have often assumed that economic liberalization is the best route to sustainable peace. However, the struggle for control over easily traded primary commodities can fuel violence, increase inequality, perpetuate instability, and raise the risk of renewed conflict.
The Intertwined Relationship Between Conflict and Food Insecurity
Food insecurity and conflict are often locked in a vicious cycle. Conflict disrupts agricultural production, supply chains, and access to markets, leading to food shortages and price increases. This, in turn, can exacerbate existing social and economic tensions, potentially triggering further conflict.
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Food as a Weapon
Sadly, food has been deliberately used as a weapon in conflicts throughout history. This can take various forms, including:
- Sieges: Besieging cities or regions to cut off food supplies and starve the population into submission.
- Targeting agricultural infrastructure: Destroying farms, irrigation systems, and food storage facilities to cripple food production.
- Obstructing humanitarian aid: Preventing the delivery of food and other essential supplies to those in need.
The Impact of Conflict on Food Systems
Conflicts disrupt food systems in numerous ways, including:
- Displacement of farmers: Forcing farmers to abandon their land, leading to reduced agricultural output.
- Destruction of crops and livestock: Resulting in immediate food shortages.
- Disruption of supply chains: Making it difficult to transport food from surplus areas to those in need.
- Increased food prices: Making food unaffordable for many people.
Globalization’s Role in Food Wars
Globalization can both exacerbate and potentially mitigate the links between conflict and food insecurity.
Negative Impacts:
- Competition for resources: Increased global demand for resources like land and water can intensify competition and conflict, especially in resource-rich countries.
- Price volatility: Global food prices can fluctuate dramatically, impacting food security in import-dependent countries.
- Dependence on exports: Countries that rely heavily on exporting primary commodities are vulnerable to price shocks and can see resource control become a source of conflict.
Positive Impacts:
- Increased trade: Globalization can facilitate the flow of food from surplus to deficit areas, helping to alleviate food shortages.
- Technological advancements: Improved agricultural technologies and practices can increase food production and resilience.
- Increased awareness: Globalization can raise awareness of food security issues and promote international cooperation.
Towards a More Sustainable and Peaceful Food System
Addressing the complex relationship between conflict, hunger, and globalization requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Conflict prevention and resolution: Investing in diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts.
- Strengthening food systems: Promoting sustainable agriculture, diversifying food sources, and improving supply chain infrastructure.
- Addressing inequality: Reducing poverty and inequality to improve access to food and other essential resources.
- Promoting international cooperation: Working together to address global food security challenges and build a more equitable and sustainable food system.
Agricultural export commodities represent significant revenue sources for smallholder farmers and governments in conflict-affected, food-insecure countries. The implications of export- and food-crop value chains are crucial for future discussions and actions surrounding food-wars policy. Some initiatives link export crops to peace efforts, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental restoration. Proposed solutions also focus on more holistic national development strategies, including food-systems approaches that protect and promote the right to food and livelihood security, as well as policy frameworks that consider conflict, globalization, and climate change in food and nutrition policy more effectively.
In conclusion, understanding the intricate links between food, conflict, and globalization is essential for building a more peaceful and sustainable future. By addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting more equitable and resilient food systems, we can help break the cycle of hunger and violence and create a world where everyone has access to enough nutritious food.
