As food systems in many countries teeter on the edge of collapse, your editorial (7 July) on the global toll of the cost of living crisis is a timely reflection. Since the war in Ukraine began, we have seen disastrous effects on global food prices and availability – particularly in the Middle East and east Africa, where millions are already facing the first-hand impact of the climate crisis with a once-in-a-generation drought and ongoing economic setbacks from Covid-19.
Countries such as Somalia were already inching closer to famine before the war in Ukraine started. Now the war has added fuel to the fire, driving global price increases and supply shortages that are threatening to push millions of people toward starvation and poverty.
The unfolding global food crisis is an ominous window on to the challenges we will collectively face if conflict goes unresolved and the climate crisis goes unchecked. Mercy Corps is responding to the immediate needs of several communities and helping them to build more resilient food systems.
While the outpouring of global support for Ukraine is welcome and needed, it should not come at the cost of other crises around the world.
The UK government should commit urgent support to respond to the burgeoning food crisis, not only in the Horn of Africa, where millions are at risk of starvation, but in other countries across the world. We must also reverse the temporary reduction in the aid budget and show the compassion and leadership that have historically been hallmarks of our aid. Failing that, we will face a rising tide of hunger, and millions of lives could be lost.
Selena Victor
Senior director, policy and advocacy, Mercy Corps Europe
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