World Bank Warns of Fragile Global Food Supply Chain

The World Bank issued a warning regarding the fragility of the global food supply, noting that while the overall supply remains adequate, significant vulnerabilities persist worldwide. The June 2026 Food and Nutrition Security Update indicates that rising input costs, geopolitical tensions, and climate threats are reversing progress in poverty reduction and food security.

Fertilizer prices surged by 35% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the previous year, with expectations of a 38% overall increase for the year. This instability is compounded by reduced fertilizer application by farmers due to earlier planting season challenges and supply chain issues.

Meteorologists and agricultural analysts predict a high probability of El Niño conditions emerging mid-2026, which could lead to a 20-50% decline in rice output in affected regions. The report also highlights that 44-47 million people in East Africa are in urgent need of food assistance, with famine conditions confirmed in parts of Sudan and looming risks in Somalia.