By Ify Mgbemena
The Chief Executive Officer of the Panafrican Farmers Organisation, Babafemi Oyewole, has warned that the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is exerting mounting pressure on African farmers and the continent’s agrifood systems, despite the geographical distance from the crisis.
He explained that the ongoing tensions have triggered widespread disruptions across global energy, trade, finance and food systems, with Africa already feeling the ripple effects due to its heavy dependence on imported fuel, fertilisers and agricultural inputs.
According to him, Africa’s agriculture sector, largely driven by smallholder farmers, remains highly vulnerable to such external shocks.
Oyewole noted that rising global oil prices have significantly increased the cost of diesel used in irrigation, mechanisation, transportation and food processing, thereby driving up production costs and reducing the competitiveness of African agricultural products in both local and international markets.
He further highlighted growing concerns over fertiliser supply, stating that disruptions in global markets—particularly nitrogen-based fertilisers linked to gas production—have worsened affordability and access across the continent.
With Africa already recording one of the lowest fertiliser usage rates globally, he warned that increasing costs are forcing farmers to cut usage, leading to declining soil health and reduced crop yields.
The PAFO boss also pointed to disruptions in global and regional trade routes, especially around critical shipping corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global trade.
He said the instability is inflating logistics costs and limiting market access for export-oriented African farmers, particularly those in horticulture and livestock production.
He added that the combined effect of rising input costs and supply chain disruptions is fueling food price inflation across the continent, placing additional strain on already vulnerable households. Smallholder farmers, who operate on thin profit margins, are facing shrinking incomes while consumers grapple with higher food prices and increased cost of living.
Oyewole warned that low-income farming households are particularly at risk, as many lack access to credit, insurance and safety nets needed to withstand such shocks.
He cited projections indicating a possible 10 to 12 per cent rise in the cost of imported grains, a development that could worsen hunger and food insecurity if urgent interventions are not implemented.
He stressed that the crisis has exposed long-standing structural weaknesses in Africa’s agrifood systems, including over-reliance on imports, weak value chains and inadequate infrastructure.
However, he noted that it also presents an opportunity for the continent to accelerate the transition toward resilient, self-sufficient and sustainable food systems.
According to him, priority actions should include strengthening domestic production of agricultural inputs, improving farmers’ access to affordable fertilisers and fuel, and scaling up targeted subsidies and financing mechanisms.
He also emphasised the need to enhance risk management through insurance schemes, climate-smart technologies and improved access to weather and market information.
Oyewole further called for the promotion of intra-African trade under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, alongside investments in rural infrastructure, agro-processing and cross-border logistics to boost value chains and competitiveness.
He underscored the importance of strengthening farmers’ representation in policy processes, urging governments and institutions to recognise farmers not just as beneficiaries but as active contributors to policy design and implementation.
Highlighting the role of farmers’ organisations, Oyewole said they remain critical in improving access to inputs, finance and markets, while also advocating for policies that support smallholder farmers and sustainable agricultural practices across the continent.
He concluded that the ongoing geopolitical crisis serves as a stark reminder that Africa’s food security cannot depend on external stability, reaffirming PAFO’s commitment to ensuring that African farmers remain central to solutions aimed at achieving food security, economic growth and long-term resilience.
