BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — The war in Ukraine has caused the majority of food exports to see an effect, potentially causing a food crisis in Jordan. USAID has assured Jordan that the U.S. will work towards solving this problem and through H.R.2471, USAID can give more economic support towards preventing the food crisis in Jordan and other related issues caused by the war.
Background
The political bond, economic partnership and free-trade agreements between the U.S. and Jordan set up a great political atmosphere for policy to help prevent the food crisis in Jordan. USAID has successfully helped Jordan overcome struggles facing poverty, food scarcity, education accessibility and child mortality in the past. The U.S. has the resources and ability to help again if needed, as outlined in H.R.2471.
Jordan receives the majority of its staple foods including wheat, from Ukraine and surrounding areas. Without mass imports of these staple foods, many Jordanians will face food insecurity and potential malnutrition. After the tragic invasion of Ukraine and ongoing war, many countries including Jordan have expected these food security concerns. Exports from Ukraine have almost halted, shipments are no longer leaving through ports and even some railways have closed cross-border food exports. While alternative solutions are starting to arise in Ukraine, the U.S. and Jordan have prepared for the problem and possible solutions will go through USAID.
Legislation Helps USAID Work
H.R.2471 renews and outlines USAID’s economic allocations in Jordan while also providing additional financial outlines in the event that export activity changes due to the war in Ukraine. Between the bills passing and now, this concern is to become a reality. USAID is able to increase work and provide more economic support, to help prevent the food crisis in Jordan. H.R.2471 specifically suggests that countries impacted by the war in Ukraine can receive economic support within the scope of Ukrainian assistance. By having an outlined budget USAID is able to know its limits and can make sure to focus its money on this foreseen issue.
Agreements between USAID and the State Department cannot have restrictions by the normal notification procedures according to H.R.2471. This legally impacts USAID and its ability to support Jordan and its concerns. Jordan can have allocated appropriations based on its peaceful role in regional politics and is, therefore, able to see unity and partnership with USAID, in its favor. Food security concerns can wane before they occur and U.S. legislation is likely to continue supporting Ukraine and those affected.
Multidimensional Support
On May 12, 2022, USAID met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and mentioned future support for Jordan in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Representatives assured USAID and the U.S. government would work with Jordan to alleviate food insecurity due to export restrictions and obstacles in Ukraine and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. USAID Administrator Samantha Power maintained the positive relationship between USAID and Jordan and was able to assure Jordan that economic help was important. She also showed the U.S. concern for helping prevent food crises in Jordan and other affected areas.
H.R.2471 responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in order to evaluate appropriations, limits and budget concerns with the rise of the war and now affects ways USAID can issue emerging food insecurity assistance. For the fiscal year 2023, the Biden Administration is suggesting a further increase in bilateral economic assistance. Foreign relations with Jordan have the legislative action, USAID assistance and executive support to value Jordan’s concerns and the possibility of a food crisis. While key food exports are currently struggling to leave the country in the midst of war, the U.S. is able to partake in helping provide assistance in this situation, among other wide range of effects of the war.
USAID and H.R.2471 have a huge impact on international relations and economic support during the crisis. Jordan will be able to take this help to mitigate food insecurity, malnourishment and what could have caused a much larger problem.
– Karen Krosky
Photo: Flickr