A Realistic Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities of Providing the Food Security in Central Asia from the Perspective of Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Abstract

In recent years, Central Asian countries have faced serious food security challenges due to the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, the impact of the new epidemic, high energy prices and social unrest in some regions. The Russia-Ukraine conflict that broke out in February 2022 has caused the increase of food prices, the disruption of food supply chains, and the shortage of basic agricultural resources such as fertilizers. In general, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has increased the difficulty for Central Asian countries to cope with food security challenges. In response to the multiple challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Central Asian countries have responded respectively in three dimensions: short-term, mid-term, and long-term. Moreover, Central Asian countries manage proactively food security risks in accordance with the “three-steps” strategy, which includes active participating in international food cooperation, vigorous development of agricultural modernization and reforming based on securing domestic food supply. In order to improve its own domestic food security, China can build on the existing partnerships with Central Asian countries, learn from their experience and continue to deepen mutual agricultural cooperation. Furthermore, China should also seek new development opportunities arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and jointly address potential food security problems with Central Asian partners.