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Country-level analysis: Iran War increasing global poverty and food insecurity

• by James Thurlow and Eleanor Jones

Key takeaways Developing countries are highly exposed to impacts from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, IFPRI economic modeling shows.Poverty and food insecurity rise modestly in percentage terms, but absolute numbers show a significant impact, with about 20 million more people in poverty and 2.5 million more facing undernourishment.Broader economic impacts are limited but uneven. GDP declines are generally small, but agriculture and supply chains face stronger pressures. The economic impacts flowing from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to reverberate, ra

Women as shock absorbers: Gendered costs of the global fuel and fertilizer crisis

• by Elizabeth Basauri Bryan, Muzna Alvi, Marame Cisse, Faith Gikunda, Eric Kirimi, Hamza Muhammad, Claudia Ringler, Tirsit Sahledengil, Bello Yakasai, and Taddese Zerfu

Key takeawaysWomen and girls in many countries are bearing the brunt of rising fuel and fertilizer prices triggered by the Iran war.Higher costs strain agrifood systems and exacerbate existing gender inequalities, further limiting women’s access to inputs, income, and food security.Gender-blind policy responses widen gender gaps.

When climate shocks reduce harvests, children pay the price: Evidence from Nigeria

• by Mulubrhan Amare and Bedru Balana

Key takeawaysA study in Nigeria links climate shocks such as droughts and extreme weather to increased rates of stunting and other poor outcomes for children’s health.Associated declines in farm production affect children’s diets and health during a critical period of development, with impacts strongest for vulnerable households.Policy action to address this connection is urgently needed, including strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and improving market access.Nigeria is facing mounting climate variabilities that threaten food production, livelihoods, and child nutritional status.

Impact of climate-induced agricultural productivity shocks on child nutrition in Nigeria

• by Rajalakshmi Nirmal

Climatic change, including declining precipitation, droughts, and rising temperatures, threatens agricultural production and productivity and food security of smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. The rainfed agriculture that smallholders rely on is inherently exposed to climate variability and change. Smallholders with low access to climate-smart agricultural technologies and limited alternative livelihood strategies are most vulnerable to climate shocks.

The High Cost of Conflict: Tracking Sudan’s Deepening Food Crisis

• by Rajalakshmi Nirmal

The conflict in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has escalated since April 2023 into a significant crisis. This conflict has severely degraded the food security of many Sudanese households, with profound effects on their diets, coping strategies, and overall welfare.