President William Ruto has emphasised the critical need to protect and maintain the neutrality of international supply chains, emphasising their importance in global food security in the midst of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He was speaking in Switzerland on Sunday as part of a peace summit in Ukraine.

Ruto urged immediate international action to protect major trade and navigation routes, such as the Azov and Black Seas, by designating them as global public goods free of interference.

 "The international community must act urgently to protect these vital economic and humanitarian arteries," he stressed.

"Globalization has made consumers reliant on international supply chains for essential products, including food," President Ruto stated. 

He explained how European families rely on African farmers for flowers, fruit, tea, and nuts, whereas African households rely on European farmers for wheat and other grains, as well as fertilisers manufactured in Europe.

"Food security depends on efficient global commodity supply chains," he added.

Ruto expressed concern about the supply chains' vulnerability to conflict and climate change.

He noted that wars cause food shortages by disrupting supply chains and preventing local farmers from growing crops.

 "The threat of starvation typically follows wars because food supply chains are vulnerable to blockades and sabotage," he said, highlighting that Africa's forgotten wars have escalated famine, particularly affecting children.

He also noted that climate change has exacerbated food insecurity, with 40 million people in Eastern Africa and 30 million in the Sahel currently facing famine.

"Wars and climate change have become mutually reinforcing disasters," he stated.

The Head of State also emphasised the importance of farm inputs, particularly fertilisers, in ensuring food security.

He stated that conflicts have disrupted fertiliser supply chains, significantly affecting Kenya's agricultural sector.

"The cost of fertilizer has gone up, and delivery now takes 45 days longer due to changed shipping routes," he explained.

The President emphasised the broader implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling it a "war on our farms" that affects millions of African families.

"80% of malnourished children do not have access to treatment. War denies children education, nutrition, and medical care, making them direct casualties," he said. 

"The drums of war are the drums of hunger."

Ruto advocated for a return to peaceful dialogue to save lives and improve global stability.

"War is a terrible means of solving misunderstandings. The sooner we return to peace-making through dialogue, the more lives we save," he said