ETG commodities warns West Africa's cocoa and cotton farmers face severe fertilizer shortages as Middle East tensions disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off supplies from a key production hub. The region's agricultural sector now confronts soaring input costs just as planting seasons begin across vulnerable countries.

Governments in West Africa are "extremely worried" about securing crop nutrients, with Ivory Coast and Senegal most exposed due to their growing cycles, while Ghana has positioned itself with existing inventories and announced free fertilizer distribution. Mali and Burkina Faso, top cotton exporters, also face significant risks according to ETG's farm input head Ashish Lakhotia.

ETG has engaged in talks with several governments about fertilizer supplies as freight and insurance costs rise, threatening food production across sub-Saharan Africa. Without immediate intervention, farmers risk missing the planting season, which would have long-term repercussions for regional agricultural output and export revenues.