This blog will examine the food crisis regarding Russian invasion of Ukraine which is often talked about in medias.

Since the wheat supply from Russia and Ukraine which predominates 1/3 of its world supply has not recovered, it is said the possibility of ‘refugees caused by food crisis’ reaching from Africa and Middle East to Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece and Malta. Even though there are already about 36,000 immigrants and asylum seekers, it is considered that the immigration would not be stopped unless the wheat supply will be recovered. (Czech News Agency, 2022)

(Pixabay)

On the other hand, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (2021), Japan relies on imports for 63% of its foods as of 2020. This is the worst food self-sufficiency rate among developed countries. It is difficult for Japan to handle if this problem occurs globally. In addition, it would be possible to be thrown into confusion if the food crisis refugees came to Japan or Japan caused one of them.

In order to mitigate food crisis, people and countries need to cooperate in providing sustainability in the global market, reducing volatility and working on unsustainability on product price and cost of debt.

To tackle these food crisis problems, Japan needs to consciously work and move on with 1. Leave no one behind 10. Boost partnership and 12. Be prepared from the key proposal of 12 commitments, which is assessed to accelerate SDGs.

Our institute advocates information literacy by analysing these kinds of information to accomplish Pax Japonica. To change our country from now on, we need the power of each and every one of us, and we believe that the first step is to become aware of this.

Reference:

Czech News Agency. 2022. There are fears of a new wave of migration due to food shortages caused by the war in Ukraine, Remix News ed.  [e-article] Available at: Mediterranean countries expect new migrant crisis over food shortages from conflict in Ukraine (rmx.news). [Accessed on 6 July 2022].

農林水産省(2021) 『令和2年度食料自給率・食料自給力指標について』