War disrupts fertilizer supplies, threatens global food security

African coverage highlights warnings from South African officials that US-Iran tensions could push up food prices across southern Africa. Commentators stress that many African states rely heavily on imported grain, fertiliser and fuel, leaving them exposed to any disruption in Middle Eastern shipping lanes. They expect governments to face pressure to increase subsidies or social support if bread and staple prices rise sharply.

• •South Africa’s Ronald Lamola has warned regional leaders about looming food inflation from the US-Iran conflict.
• •Many southern African countries import most of their fertiliser and are vulnerable to price spikes.
• •Higher shipping and insurance costs through Middle Eastern routes will feed into African food prices.
• •Rising food costs could strain government budgets as leaders try to expand subsidies or welfare programs.
• •African economies with high poverty rates risk social unrest if staple food prices climb too quickly.