Countries in Asia and Africa that rely on fertiliser imports are facing the risk of declining crop yields as a spillover effect of the Middle East conflict, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned.

The agency emphasised that rising costs and fertiliser shortages have placed these countries at heightened risk, in its latest report titled “Impacts of the 2026 Middle East conflict on global agricultural and food systems.”

The report notes that exports of nitrogen-based fertilisers such as urea and ammonia have already been significantly restricted, posing a clear threat to agricultural production across Asia, Africa, and other regions.

Accordingly, the FAO stated that the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has placed global food security at risk.

It further warned that tensions in Iran and the broader Middle East have increased risks to global energy, fertiliser, and agri-food systems. Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz have obstructed critical supply routes for oil, gas, and fertilisers, driving up energy and agricultural costs worldwide.

Given that these developments disproportionately affect import-dependent countries in Asia and Africa, the FAO stressed the urgent need for immediate measures to stabilise global supply chains.