Agriculture’s Role in Conflict and Food Security 2025

Recent data from 2024 reveal a record high of over 295 million people facing acute hunger globally. Conflict remains the primary driver of this crisis, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prolonged wars, such as the civil conflict in Sudan, have pushed parts of the region into famine. Food insecurity not only threatens lives but also fuels instability and violence. Agriculture emerges as a vital tool for peacebuilding and stabilisation in conflict-affected areas.

Conflict and Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Wars and violent extremism disrupt farming activities and food supply chains. Sudan’s civil war has worsened hunger and destabilised neighbouring countries. Hunger intensifies insecurity by increasing competition for scarce resources. Food shortages often coincide with displacement and social unrest. This cycle deepens poverty and prolongs conflict.

Women-Led Cooperatives as Peacebuilders

Women’s farming groups have shown success in conflict zones. In Sudan’s Kassala state, a women-led cooperative improved crop yields and incomes through better seeds and cultivation techniques. This helped lower food prices and supported displaced populations. In northern Nigeria, women cooperatives overcame land access challenges by collective advocacy. Their efforts increased harvests and encouraged community cooperation. These initiatives boost local economies and social cohesion.

Agriculture’s Role in Post-Conflict Recovery

Restoring farming is a key indicator of recovery after conflict. Reliable food supplies reduce hunger and improve livelihoods. This strengthens families and local markets. Functional agriculture provides governments legitimacy and encourages stability. It also creates opportunities for cooperation within fragmented societies. Humanitarian aid can provide short-term relief but lasting peace depends on sustainable farming systems.

Food Sovereignty and International Cooperation

Developing countries aim for food sovereignty to reduce dependence on imports. Self-sufficiency enhances geopolitical resilience. However, national food security does not exclude global partnerships. A strong agri-food sector enables countries to negotiate better terms in international trade. This balance supports both domestic stability and regional collaboration.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite progress, many regions face limited options to boost agricultural GDP. Conflict, climate change and market access remain obstacles. Investing in smallholder farmers and cooperative models offers potential for inclusive growth. Technology transfer and improved seed quality can raise productivity. Policies must align with peacebuilding to maximise agriculture’s security benefits.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the impact of conflict on food security and agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Analyse the role of women-led cooperatives in promoting peace and economic stability in conflict-affected regions.
3. Examine the concept of food sovereignty and how it influences geopolitical resilience and international cooperation.
4. Estimate the challenges and strategies for enhancing agricultural GDP in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the impact of conflict on food security and agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

1. Conflict disrupts farming activities, destroying crops, livestock, and infrastructure.
2. Wars like Sudan’s civil conflict cause famine and widespread food shortages.
3. Displacement due to violence reduces labor availability and access to land.
4. Food insecurity fuels further instability by increasing competition over scarce resources.
5. Conflict weakens supply chains, markets, and food distribution systems.
6. Prolonged insecurity deepens poverty, hindering agricultural investment and development.

2. Analyse the role of women-led cooperatives in promoting peace and economic stability in conflict-affected regions.

1. Women’s cooperatives improve food production through shared knowledge and resources.
2. They increase incomes and lower food prices, benefiting displaced and vulnerable groups.
3. Collective advocacy by cooperatives helps secure land and inputs in insecure environments.
4. These groups encourage social cohesion and community resilience amid conflict.
5. Women’s leadership boosts empowerment, self-confidence, and local influence.
6. Successful cooperatives encourage replication and wider economic recovery.

3. Examine the concept of food sovereignty and how it influences geopolitical resilience and international cooperation.

1. Food sovereignty emphasizes national self-sufficiency and control over food systems.
2. It reduces dependence on imports, enhancing geopolitical resilience and stability.
3. Strong domestic agriculture sectors empower countries to negotiate better international trade terms.
4. Food sovereignty supports sustainable local economies and rural livelihoods.
5. It does not preclude international cooperation but allows partnerships on equitable terms.
6. Balancing sovereignty and interdependence encourages regional collaboration and peace.

4. Estimate the challenges and strategies for enhancing agricultural GDP in fragile and conflict-affected states.

1. Challenges include insecurity, displacement, poor infrastructure, and limited market access.
2. Climate change and resource degradation further constrain agricultural productivity.
3. Strategies involve investing in smallholder farmers and cooperative farming models.
4. Improving seed quality, technology transfer, and extension services raise yields.
5. Policies must integrate peacebuilding to ensure stability and sustained growth.
6. Strengthening local markets and linking agriculture to broader economic recovery is essential.