Possible Solutions When Food Sources Are Affected By War

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(Edited)

Ever since the attacks on Ukraine, I knew it wouldn't be long before we would also experience the effects of it here, because of how the world economy is interconnected. Little did I know that it would also affect a part of our food source, as Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of wheat and sunflower oil.


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Before I go further, I want to give my condolences to those who've lost loved ones to war, I wish those who have been impacted by it in whatever manner strength and hope that peace will soon follow ♥️.

I realize that whatever I'm dealing with, is nothing compared to what those who are smack in the middle of the war, but I can only write about what I know and draw from own experiences.

That being said, I've recently announced that the prices of vegetable oil and wheat were increasing and I've read people complaining on social media about the scarcity and jacked up prices of the oils, shopkeepers restricting clients buying more than one bottle and about empty shelves where the oils used to be.

And then, I read in this weeks news that the government inspection service had found out that a couple of shops, distributors and importers were creating a part of the scarcity by withholding some of the inventory. They were immediately instructed to offer the vegetable oil for sale.


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This is of course a short term solution, because we don't know how long the war will be going on and it'll take a while before production and exports of sunflower oil will pick up again. There are of course the options of soya and palm oil, but even that's not guaranteed in the long term.

That's why we've already been thinking about and decided upon other alternatives: instead of frying baking food in the (electric) oven - what we've already been doing for some foods and snacks - or to steam or boil the food. Another option is to use a little butter for sautéing instead of vegetable oil.

And as an alternative to bread, I've already prepared myself mentally to have potatoes, cassava and other root vegetables for breakfast, if the scarcity of wheat presents bigger problems.

It's not that Suriname doesn't have enough fertile soil to grow those foods, but I've already written extensively about that and I've also been saying that Suriname should focus on producing more end products. We also have enough grounds to plant palm oil, we only need to invest more in the sector to get out of the micro economy.


What are your thoughts or how are you dealing with the effects of the war in your region?


Chasse into the backstage! 💃

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Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
Week 98 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!
!BEER
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Fresh locally grown food tends to be healthier than the foods processed for export.

I've started questioning my use of vegetable oils. While vegetables are nutritious the highly processed oils that we buy on store shelves seem to have negative health effects.

As we prepare for times of food shortages, I think people should seriously question the nutritional value of the some of the mass produced foods that we have been depending upon.

!WINE

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While vegetables are nutritious the highly processed oils that we buy on store shelves seem to have negative health effects.

Yeah, I think that most of the health properties have gone out during the process, but I'm not a food expert 😅.

As we prepare for times of food shortages, I think people should seriously question the nutritional value of the some of the mass produced foods that we have been depending upon.

True and it's also better for the environment to eat locally grown and in season products. I can also get fired up when discussing how much fertile soil the has and the government still not being able to support farming in this country.

!ENGAGE

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Very nice post. Fresh, local food is always healthier than processed. Thanks for sharing.

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Was my pleasure and like I said I said in my post is "I can only write about what I know and draw from own experience".

Fresh, local food is always healthier than processed.

And better for the environment.

!ENGAGE

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(Edited)

I agree with the idea of eating locally grown food where possible. It is probably fresher, healthier and better for the local economy.
It may also be better for the environment in terms of the reduced need for fossil fuels for transport.

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It may also be better for the environment in terms of the reduced need for fossil fuels for transport.

Precisely! I forgot that part but nevertheless as important.

I agree with the idea of eating locally grown food where possible. It is probably fresher, healthier and better for the local economy.

Governments have come and gone promising to stimulate the agricultural sector in Suriname, to become the "food shed" in the region, but none have been successful so far. Which is a shame because of all the fertile soil.

!ENGAGE

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I understand. We all have to eat to survive but fewer and fewer people are interested in farming.

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We all have to eat to survive but fewer and fewer people are interested in farming.

That's also true for us. There's a misconception and "stigma" about farming and parents usually stimulate their kids to become doctors or lawyers.

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Besides just wheat and oil, I think the supply chain for fertilizer is being affected. This will definitely affect food prices all around the world and I have seen prices for food go up around the stores when I go shopping. I expect prices to go up further because of the fertilizer because the farmers will need it for the next batch of goods but we might not see further increases until a few months from now.

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(Edited)

Besides just wheat and oil, I think the supply chain for fertilizer is being affected.

Yes, I've seen news from the USA that this is going to be an issue for the farmers over there, so this will definitely affect the rest of the food chains. Don't know about other countries though.

You know, if Suriname (where I live) was serious in all of the plans and really doing something about it, we shouldn't have been affected that tremendously, because we have enough fertile soil to provide our small population with food. There were/are also plans to use the residual material (waste) from our rice fields as fertilizers or as nutrition for cattle. Furthermore, Suriname also used to have a thriving g palm oil culture. Alas, mismanagement and other factors.

!ENGAGE

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Is it possible to grow your own vegetables and all that?

Damn Suriname isn’t getting a break. I heard about the economy and I think I remember hearing about floods there too?

It is taking a long time but I think we are slowly developing a kind of global consciousness where we will look out for each other a little more. Obviously most people are too focused on their own countries and what’s shown in the news but I can see an increased number of people aware of how a war effects more than just the people in that country and their own country.

Awareness is the first step. More possibilities will open up but I hope people can get more relief soon. Hope you are wel

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Is it possible to grow your own vegetables and all that?

We can grow some for our own use and there's the cassava that's asking to be harvested. Cassava grows so easily here in our yard, so that's a plus. We're also fortunate that our parents are also growing some of their vegetables, so we receive those from time to time from them.

I heard about the economy and I think I remember hearing about floods there too?

You are well informed. Yes, the villages in the south and near the coast (lower lands) were dealing with floods, with huge parts of their crops being affected. They had no electricity, no clean water, etc. Schools and medical centers had to be closed and families had to move to higher grounds.

The water is subsiding is what I've read last, but the damsage has already been done.

It is taking a long time but I think we are slowly developing a kind of global consciousness where we will look out for each other a little more. Obviously most people are too focused on their own countries and what’s shown in the news but I can see an increased number of people aware of how a war effects more than just the people in that country and their own country.

Thanks to Hive, I get to read or see more and stay updated on the rest of the world, seeing it from the people's point of view.

Oh and yes we are well. Counting our blessings, because I realize there are people with less fortune than us.

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Supporting local farmers, especially organic is a good way to know where your food is coming from, enjoy the healthiest options available, and support the local economy... although it can be cost-prohibitive and is not always an option for people. Growing ones' own food is also a great option if you live in a country blessed with fertile soils and great weather and you have the time and space for it. we all need to learn to adapt when big changes happen in the world and it is much easier to give up processed foods than it is fresh fruit and vegetables. I don't tend to use a lot of oil in my cooking... I never deep fry anything !LOL so it's always just a case of a tablespoon or two in a pan to stirfry. In the UK energy prices have gone up ... and more increase are on their way. I mainly work from home at the moment (although hubby is mainly office based) so it has impacted us a little but not to the extent that it could have pre-covid times. I can't say I've noticed any real shortage of products in the shops at this point. My biggest concern has been for friends stuck in Ukraine and worrying about their safety. Let's all pray that the war in Ukraine and that in other parts of the world resolve soon...to bring peace to those nations and the opportunity to rebuild with the support of the rest of the world... !ALIVE

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We actually live in a rural area, where almost everyone is growing something and we're also not far away from the local market, so we're blessed in that regard. But indeed, not everyone has the luxury to go and buy organic grown foods.

And even if people don't have the luxury to grow their vegetables in the garden - because of small spaces - there are enough methods, like planting vertically. Then again, people also need the information to those methods.

I don't tend to use a lot of oil in my cooking... I never deep fry anything !LOL so it's always just a case of a tablespoon or two in a pan to stirfry.

Same for us, because when we deep fry, it's mostly snacks, but now we try to "bake" those in the small electric oven as much as possible.

Oh, after the authorities stepped in, I also don't really see any shortage in the store I usually shop at, but the shortages may come in a later time.

My biggest concern has been for friends stuck in Ukraine and worrying about their safety. Let's all pray that the war in Ukraine and that in other parts of the world resolve soon...to bring peace to those nations and the opportunity to rebuild with the support of the rest of the world...

Yeah, I've seen some heartbreaking videos and stories online. Hope peace will be declared sooner than later and that people are safe.

!ENGAGE

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I must look into vertical planting more... I think it will help with some ideas I have in maximising sun coverage in our front garden. thanks! !PIZZA !ALIVE

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If you'll ever give it a try, keep us posted 😊.

We're lucky to have enough space, but if we ever run out, we'll definitely give it a try.

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we haev this grand plan to put a lot of veg on vertical shelving on an automated rolling system that tracks the sun between front and back garden... waiting on the husband...he's the tech guy...but he has more ideas and projects than he has time lol !ALIVE !PIZZA

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waiting on the husband...he's the tech guy...but he has more ideas and projects than he has time

!LOL
Sounds too familiar 🤣 and haven't only seen it with my partner but other men in my life.

But that project sounds interesting, especially with the automation and engineering that goes into it.

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haha...yeah don't we know it !LOLZ. I hope one day to see it brought to life...it would help to keep my plants alive, that's for sure. !ALIVE

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I hope one day to see it brought to life...it would help to keep my plants alive, that's for sure.

I hope so too.

Have a pleasant new week! 😊

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