“Grain may be available in producing countries, but the challenge lies in extracting, transporting, securing, and delivering it to needy nations on time and at reasonable cost,” said food security expert Dr. Fadel ELZUBI.
He cautioned against attributing every rise in wheat prices solely to war, noting that global prices are also shaped by harvests, stock levels, demand, energy and fertilizer costs, and currency exchange rates. “The problem is not only high wheat prices, but the uncertainty of what price mills will pay in the future—disrupting decisions on purchasing, storage, and production.”
ELZUBI emphasized that what matters is not just the global exchange price per ton, but the actual cost borne by importing states to deliver that ton to their mills and warehouses. “Food security does not mean producing everything we consume, but ensuring sustainable access to affordable food for citizens—even amid international crises.”
He added that crises do not automatically translate into famine or bread shortages in all importing countries; impacts depend on stockpiles, alternatives, government policies, and financing capacity.
Key Points:
- Food security is an economic and strategic issue, not merely agricultural—it is tied to trade, energy, transport, finance, and social policy.
- Diversifying import sources and managing reserves are necessities, not secondary options. Preparedness must precede crises, not follow price spikes.
- A sustainable solution combines secure imports with economically and water‑feasible local production, reducing losses, and protecting citizens’ purchasing power.