Iran War Impacts Egyptian Farmers

The ongoing war in Iran, initiated by the United States and Israel, has caused widespread disruptions in global markets, particularly affecting energy and fertilizer supplies. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade artery, has been severely impacted, leading to a surge in prices for crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and fertilizers. This has had a profound economic impact on nations like Egypt, which are heavily dependent on imports. Egyptian smallholder farmers, such as Ashraf Abu Ragab and Mohamed Ragab, are struggling with nearly doubled input costs for fuel, fertilizers, seeds, and feed. This forces them to reduce cultivated land, lay off workers, and make difficult choices that lower yields. The Egyptian pound has also depreciated by about 15 percent, further increasing import costs. While farmers face hardship, fertilizer producers like Fertilizer are experiencing booming profits due to increased global prices and export demand. Experts like Máximo Torero Cullen from the Food and Agriculture Organization warn of long recovery times for markets, even if shipping routes normalize.