Ukraine - Russia Conflict and Lebanon Wheat Worries

The Ukraine - Russia conflict is causing great upheaval and challenges in the region, but as we have seen in many instances the conflict is having impacts around the globe. One of the countries that is being impacted is Lebanon due to their reliance on wheat from Ukraine. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Ukraine crisis worries Lebanon over its wheat reserves

Discussion Points

• Why is the conflict in Ukraine and potential wheat shortage so troubling to the country and people of Lebanon?
• Imagine you are a top diplomat with the Lebanon government. What might you do to ease fears and alleviate the problem? How and why would you go about things the way you would?
• How might the escalating conflict in Ukraine impact other countries around the globe including your home country?
• If countries outside of Ukraine are concerned about food insecurity what might food insecurity look like in Ukraine? In what multiple ways is Ukraine's food supply/system being impacted? 

Afghanistan Agriculture Challenges

Afghanistan has been at the top of newsfeeds as of late with the withdrawal of United States military forces. We have heard about a lot of things happening in and around Afghanistan, but agriculture is one area that has not been focused on heavily with most media sources. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations shares the challenges facing around 7 million farmers in Afghanistan in the story linked below. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations with others around the globe.

Drought threatens the livelihoods of 7 million farmers in Afghanistan

Discussion Points

• How is the drought impacting crop farmers in Afghanistan?
• How is the drought impacting livestock farmers in Afghanistan? 
• How might the recent withdrawal of United States military forces from Afghanistan impact farmers in Afghanistan and the challenges they are facing?
• You have just been put in charge of providing assistance to farmers in Afghanistan. What type of assistance will you provide? How will it be delivered? What are considerations you will have to take account for?

Wheat Recovery in Syria

Highlighted below is a video from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations on seed multiplication for agriculture recovery of Syria. The video highlights how the FAO is working with farmers in increase yields and recover from conflict. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Seed Multiplication for Agriculture Recovery

Discussion Points

• How is the FAO working with farmers to revive agriculture in Syria?
• What did you discover from this video and why did it stick out to you?
• In the second half of the video a Syrian farmer is interviewed about his work with FAO to improve agriculture production. He shares how he was skeptical at first to take their recommendations and many others did not believe he could be successful. Why are so many skeptical to try new practices in agriculture?
• How do we get farmers, producers, and people in general to try new practices? What techniques can be utilized? 

Flour Power

A recent study in Australia has found a way to produce more flour and healthier flour while not increasing overall wheat production. The linked article below shares their findings and includes a video explanation as well. We encourage you to investigate both and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations in your classrooms and communities around the world!

Flour Power to Boost Food Security

Discussion Points

• Why does wheat production play such a huge roll in markets and food security around the world? 
• Why is this new finding so significant to world food security?
• Explain how this new process increases production and nutritional value of flour.
• This is a remarkable finding for flour production in wheat. Think about other crops and how we might be able to find genes to increase production, increase nutrition, decrease waste, protect the environment, etc. Share your thoughts and discuss the possibilities!

Wheat Rust on the Attack

Over the past year we have seen the spread of old and new wheat rust strains around the world. The linked article below shares information on the area of impact, ramifications, and much more in regards to wheat rust. We encourage you to read the linked article and then utilize the discussion points below to spark conversation around the globe!

Spread of Damaging Wheat Rust Continues 

Discussion Points

• Explain the recent trend of wheat rust around the globe.
• What parts of the world/countries are being impacted?
• Why is this so troubling?
• Why is it so important that we have global collaboration in battling wheat rust (or any challenge facing agriculture for that matter)?
• The article explains the direct impact that wheat rust is having in Asia, Europe, and Africa. What other impacts is or could wheat rust have on global wheat prices and production? How is or could this affect wheat prices and production in your home country?
• Brainstorm ways to control and/or stop the damage being done by wheat rust. Reflect on the resources needed and challenges facing your thoughts and how to meet these respective needed resources and challenges.

Egypt Wheat Dilemma

Currently wheat trade has been halted with Egypt due to numerous reasons. The linked article below takes a look at why this has happened and the implications that it is having. We encourage you to read over the article below and start conversations with the discussion points provided.

Egypt Wheat Trade

Discussion Points

• What factors have caused wheat trade with Egypt to halt?
• What effects has this had on wheat prices and supplies around the world?
• Why do many believe that Egypt cannot continue to afford this wheat standoff?
• What does wheat crop and supply look like globally right now? What does this mean for Egypt and the rest of the world?
• Why is international trade important to all countries worldwide? 

Argentine Wheat

Argentina is loading ships with wheat bound for locations around the world including the United States. The article linked below explores the story behind increased exports from Argentina. After reading the article linked use the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe!

Argentine Wheat Returns to the U.S.

Discussion Points

• What has led to the increase of wheat shipments from Argentina to locations around the world?
• What has caused farmers from the United States to purchase wheat from Argentina for feed for livestock?
• Who is the number one purchaser of Argentine wheat? Why do you believe they are the number one buyer?
• Do you feel that this trend of major wheat exports out of Argentina will continue? Justify your response.