Middle East conflict deepens hunger in East Africa

A worker offloads bags of subsidised fertiliser from a truck at the National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Nakuru, Kenya.

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

The conflict in the Middle East is likely to prolong food shortages in East Africa, driven by disrupted global fertiliser, fuel and shipping schedules, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

The six‑week‑old Iran–Israel–US war is already influencing planting decisions for upcoming seasons, according to charity group Mercy Corps.