Nigerian Famines and Hormuz Blockade: Food Diplomacy in Systemic Crisis

The period is marked by an intensification of food crises, with record hunger levels in Northern Nigeria and the major economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure, which blocks nearly 1,200 vessels. In response, Rome-based agencies and their partners are scaling up their action. The World Food Programme (WFP) has notably renewed a crucial partnership in Pakistan to protect 3.3 million women and children from malnutrition. Concurrently, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is pursuing its partnership strategy in Africa, with notable initiatives in Ghana and recognition of its work in Liberia. On the technical front, a new collaboration between FAO and the IAEA has been launched to combat an animal epidemic in the Americas. Finally, the European Union is implementing a strategic adjustment to its livestock policy, conferring upon it a new geopolitical dimension.

Multiple Food Crises: the WFP on the Front Lines Against Famines and Logistical Blockades

This month, food security alerts have materialized into acute crises on the ground, confirming warnings issued by UN agencies over recent months (context – 06/2026).

The most alarming signal comes from Nigeria, where the World Food Programme (WFP) reported on 2 July that hunger in the north of the country has reached its worst levels in nearly a decade (WFP via U.S. News & World Report, 02/07/2026). This critical situation illustrates the rapid deterioration of food security in regions already weakened by conflict and climate change.

These humanitarian crises are exacerbated by major logistical shocks. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global commerce, is producing direct and massive consequences. According to the Financial Times, nearly 1,200 cargo vessels, carrying an estimated value of 125 billion dollars in goods, are stranded (Financial Times, 23/06/2026). This rupture, directly linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, is seriously disrupting global supply chains, including those for foodstuffs and agricultural inputs, posing a systemic risk to market stability.

Facing these emergencies, the WFP continues its humanitarian diplomacy. In Gaza, the agency partnered with Ambassador Martin Selmayr of the European External Action Service (EEAS) to inaugurate a travelling exhibition aimed at raising awareness about the humanitarian situation (WFP via EEAS, 23/06/2026). This communication initiative underscores the severity of the crisis and the necessity of mobilizing the international community.

Development Diplomacy: IFAD and WFP Multiply South-South and Public-Private Partnerships

Alongside crisis management, agricultural development agencies are intensifying collaboration to strengthen the long-term resilience of food systems. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the WFP stand out through a series of strategic agreements.

In Africa, IFAD is strengthening its footprint. At a regional forum in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana's Agriculture Minister publicly commended the partnership with IFAD and highlighted a free fertilizer subsidy programme, underscoring the importance of such collaborations for local production (The Business & Financial Times, 24/06/2026). Similarly, the Government of Liberia has formally recognized the work of IFAD's Country Representative, Pascaline Barankeba, for her role in strengthening agricultural cooperation and investment flows (MSN, 03/07/2026).

In Asia, a major initiative was concluded in Pakistan. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the WFP, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have extended their partnership. This agreement aims to protect 3.3 million children and women from malnutrition, illustrating an integrated and large-scale approach combining social protection, health and nutrition (emro.who.int, 09/07/2026).

At the multilateral level, a commitment to strengthen cooperation was made between the leaders of the WFP, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), an intergovernmental alliance focused on South-South cooperation (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 18/06/2026). This convergence testifies to a trend toward breaking down silos in mandates to address the root causes of food insecurity, notably migration and development financing. A weak but notable signal is the mention by The New Humanitarian of discussions linking the WFP, technology company Palantir and the Pope, suggesting exploration of new frontiers for humanitarian aid, between data technology and ethical principles (The New Humanitarian, 25/06/2026).

Global Governance: Technical Cooperation and Water-Climate Nexus

Substantive work on policy frameworks and technical cooperation continues within multilateral bodies.

The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has maintained pressure on structural issues. At a side event of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), the CFS presented its recommendations on the linkages between water, climate, food security and nutrition (Food and Agriculture Organization, 12/06/2026). This session builds on the CFS's ongoing efforts to fully integrate water scarcity and climate constraints into global food governance.

On the animal health front, a transboundary threat has triggered a coordinated response. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have launched a joint project to combat a resurgence of New World Screwworm (FAO — News, 19/06/2026). This initiative targets Central America, Mexico and the United States, demonstrating technical cooperation at the continental scale to counter an epidemic that poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife, and by extension to the economic security of herders.

Trade Policy: the EU Confers Geopolitical Dimension on its Beef Sector

In a context of mounting global tensions, the European Union is adjusting its agricultural policy instruments to integrate strategic considerations. According to Politico EU, European beef production is undergoing a "geopolitical upgrade" (Politico EU, 07/07/2026). This evolution signals an awareness that agricultural production, beyond its food-producing function, is a lever of influence and a matter of sovereignty. Although the details of this strategy are not fully disclosed, this shift suggests that future support policies, environmental standards and trade agreements related to the beef sector will increasingly be evaluated in light of their geopolitical implications. For major producing and exporting countries such as Brazil, Argentina, the United States and Australia, this change could translate into new conditionalities on European markets or into competition modified by public support redirected within the EU.