Warning: ‘War In Ukraine Threatens World Food Supplies’
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
KYIV (Worthy News) – War in Ukraine could have a disastrous impact on food supplies to Africa and the Middle East, impacting millions, including persecuted and impoverished Christians, Worthy News established Tuesday.
Ukraine is one of the leading exporters of corn, barley, rye, and wheat globally, such as to nations already suffering from food poverty and instability, aid workers and experts confirmed.
The country exports more than 40 percent of these agricultural products to Africa and the Middle East, experts say.
“These regions already bear the brunt of rising food prices and disrupted food supply caused by conflict, environmental disasters, and COVID 19,” said Barnabas Fund, a Christian aid group.
And with close to 130,000 Russian troops near its border, there are mounting fears of an imminent Russian invasion that could make it difficult for Ukraine to harvest and export food.
FOOD SHORTAGES
Alex Smith, a food and agriculture analyst at the California-based Breakthrough Institute, agrees that war in Ukraine would increase food shortages.
“Food insecurity would be exacerbated in the many developing countries that depend on Ukraine for their sustenance,” Smith added in remarks shared with Worthy News.
Russia says it “has no intention” to invade Ukraine, but it wants Western security guarantees such as a halt on further expanding the NATO military alliance.
Without an apparent diplomatic breakthrough, there were fears Tuesday that a Russian invasion would remain possible.
Food insecurity related to such a conflict couldn’t come at a worse moment, suggested Barnabas Fund.
“In November 2021, it was reported that an estimated billion people worldwide are already facing malnutrition as the global food crisis worsens, with 45 million on the brink of famine,” the group added.
PEACE PRAYER
Barnabas Fund asked its supporters “to pray” for Christians and others facing possible famine. “As Christians, our priority must be to pray, not only for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. But also for those around the world who are at risk of suffering and starvation,” the group stressed.
“Pray for peace in Ukraine, and that the supply of wheat and other vital food supplies around the world will not be disrupted,” Barnabas Fund added in a prayer advisory to supporters.
“Ask that the Lord will bless efforts to reach hungry and starving Christians, and all those suffering food insecurity and malnutrition,” the aid group wrote.
Barnabas Fund said it already set up the “food gives” project to provide food to needy people and “help the fight against food insecurity, hunger, and starvation.”
Many Christians have reportedly suffered persecution and delays in food supplies in primarily Islamic nations, Worthy News documented.
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