Russia's invasion of Ukraine could cause global food shortages in the coming months, the UN has warned.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the war had worsened food insecurity in poorer nations due to rising prices.
The world could face famines that last for years if Ukrainian exports are not restored to pre-war levels, he added.
The conflict has cut-off supplies from Ukraine's ports, which once exported vast amounts of sunflower oil as well as cereals such as maize and wheat.
This has reduced the global supply and caused the price of alternatives to soar. Global food prices are almost 30% higher than the same time last year, according to the UN.
Speaking in New York on Wednesday, Mr Guterres said the conflict "threatens to tip tens of millions of people over the edge into food insecurity followed by malnutrition, mass hunger and famine".
"There is enough food in our world now if we act together. But unless we solve this problem today, we face the spectre of global food shortage in the coming months," he added.
He warned that there was no effective solution to the food crisis without reintegrating Ukraine's food production, as well as the fertiliser produced by Russia and Belarus, into the global market.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
30 mins -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
4 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
4 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
5 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
5 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
6 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
7 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
7 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
7 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
7 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
7 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
7 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
8 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
9 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
9 hours