International Rescue Committee seeks Black Sea grain deal renewal to tame looming global food insecurity 

By Onome Amuge

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned that the looming expiration of the Black Sea grain deal risks further food market instability at a time of record food insecurity.

According to the IRC, the Black Sea Grain Initiative has been a critical step to restarting shipments of Ukrainian and Russian grain, and as such, must be renewed to limit future shock to global food security.

With 349 million people across 79 countries estimated to experience acute food insecurity this year,the IRC, argued that an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and expanding its coverage to more Ukrainian ports will help reduce pressure on food prices and limit speculation on grain futures

It added that the extension of the Black Sea Grain Deal is critical for the Ukrainian farmers, too, as they are still facing difficulties selling their grain due to disruptions in logistics chains, and blockage of seaports.

Some Ukrainians who spoke to  the IRC admitted that while they are striving to cultivate their lands despite active hostilities, storing food in some regions has become extremely difficult due the disruptive impact of the war on the power supply. They further disclosed that limited access, logistical challenges and increased transportation costs are also resulting in crops being thrown away.

Dwelling on the issue, Shashwat Saraf, East Africa emergency director at the IRC observed that shortages of food in the system and lack of affordable fertilizer continues to push up prices, making it difficult for families in countries like Somalia to predict if they will be able to afford a meal the next day.

Saraf also lamented that agricultural production is in decline as farmers in Ukraine are struggling to keep their harvests alive amidst active shelling, while climate change is killing crops in other parts of the world that need them most.

To this end, the IRC stated that it is crucial the international community unequivocally stands behind maintaining Ukraine’s grain exports.

It noted that any shock to the markets can cause massive harm with catastrophic ripple effects in countries balancing on the brink of famine, adding that expiration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is likely to trigger increased levels of hunger and malnutrition.

“Constructive extension of the grain deal means bringing in more food into the global system and as a result, helping to lower soaring costs and to maintain market stability. Supply chains must be opened and uninterrupted to ensure grain can get to the countries that need it most,” the IRC said.