Iran Conflict Threatens African Fertilizer Supply

Researchers studying African food systems note that roughly 80% of the fertilizers used in Africa are imported. The conflict in Iran is disrupting fertilizer supplies, impacting agricultural systems across sub-Saharan Africa.

Iran is a major exporter of urea, a key fertilizer ingredient, and countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Malawi rely on these imports. Qatar, another key urea producer, has halted production due to damage to its gas facilities from Iranian missiles.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Ormuz has decreased by 95% since the start of the conflict, preventing existing fertilizer from leaving the region. Past disruptions from COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine led African farmers to reduce fertilizer use, decreasing yields and income. The research team highlights ten interventions—including cultivating diverse crops, promoting home gardens, and biofortification—to improve nutrition and reduce reliance on fertilizers.

However, the researchers emphasize that these solutions require coordinated implementation and attention to gender dynamics, as women may not always benefit equally from increased food availability. Scientists are also developing “indicator plants” to provide real-time data on soil nutrient levels, potentially revolutionizing fertilizer use. The work to build resilient food systems continues.