The Agri Policy lab has released a new innovation-focused Policy Paper 2024/09, titled "Ukraine, its Food Security, and Future?"
It analyses the current state of food security in Ukraine, addressing its agricultural potential and the numerous challenges that hinder the food system. As Ukraine continues to face multitude of challenges triggered by the full-scale Russian invasion, the perspective of food security paradigm should not only map its influence on the global food supply.
This analysis highlights several significant issues, including the growing impacts of climate change, inefficient land use, and economic instability, all of which threaten the availability, access, and stability of food supply for the population. While these challenges existed before the Russian aggression, the ongoing war has intensified these issues by disrupting agricultural activities, destroying infrastructure, and displacing millions, further destabilizing food production and accessibility.
The analysis highlights Ukraine’s strategic role in global food markets, noting the vast agricultural potential it holds. Yet, it underscores the critical need to modernize Ukraine's agricultural practices and make policy interventions that can help mitigate both short-term and long-term threats to food security of its own population.
The policy recommendations suggest a collaborative effort between government, farmers, industry, and international stakeholders to enhance Ukraine's resilience to these challenges. By implementing strategic reforms, Ukraine can not only secure its own food secure future but also continue to play its vital role in feeding the world, which given the ongoing volatile climatic affects grows in importance.
Key Findings:
- A comprehensive strategy is needed to address agricultural productivity, land-use reforms, climate resilience, economic stability, and distribution networks for improved food security in Ukraine.
- War-Related Damage: The ongoing conflict has led to the destruction of agricultural infrastructure and displacement, heavily disrupting food production and access and thus worsening the existing threats.
- Implementing proposed policies focused on modernisation, small farmer support, climate resilience, economic stabilisation, distribution efficiency, and farmer collaboration can strengthen Ukraine's food system.
- Successful implementation of these measures requires sustained collaboration among policymakers, stakeholders, and the agricultural community.
Policy Recommendations:
- Support for Small and Medium-Scale Farmers: Increase access to credit and improve infrastructure to enhance productivity and market access.
- Climate Resilience: Encourage climate-resilient farming practices and invest in modern technologies like precision agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Economic Stability Measures: Plan for post-conflict economic recovery, focusing on stabilizing food prices and attracting investments into the agricultural sector.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster collaboration among government, international partners, and local farmers to support Ukraine’s food security framework and agricultural recovery.
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