Global Food Crisis May be food shortage in developing countries due to climate change May 8 19:43

Regarding the impact of the spread of the new coronavirus on the food supply network, experts are unlikely to fall into the global food crisis, but food shortages become serious in developing countries such as Africa affected by climate change I am calling for the response of the international community.

With the spread of the new coronavirus, there are countries that are embarking on food export regulations, such as Russia and Ukraine limiting wheat exports, in order to stabilize domestic supply, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. As of the 1st of this month, 15 countries have restricted exports of wheat, rice and vegetables.

In addition, as countries continue to have restrictions on movement and blockades of borders, making it difficult to transport food and secure workers on farms, the United Nations last month expressed concern that a stable food supply is being threatened.

Regarding this, Tim Benton, the research director of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in the UK, who is familiar with food issues, said that export restrictions are currently limited, major crops such as wheat are expected to be sufficiently harvested, and prices are rising globally. He pointed out that there is little danger of sudden food shortages.

However, “In Africa and other countries, the production situation is already not good, as the effects of climate change and the large outbreak of grasshoppers have caused great damage to agricultural products. Many farmers are unable to cultivate due to restrictions on going out or moving, and food insecurity is a concern. Can be a reality. ”He stressed that it is important for the international community to cooperate and protect the supply system.

On the other hand, regarding the impact on Japan, Kazuhito Yamashita, Research Director at Canon Global Strategy Institute, said that it is unlikely that the United States and Canada, which rely on Japan for grain imports, will restrict exports, and so far there is no impact. “The food problem has the characteristic of being anxious and prone to panic. It is important to properly deliver information to consumers.”