The Implications of Russia and Ukraine’s War in the Fight Against Poverty and Hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa: Erudite Reflections on the Need for Responsible Leadership for Social Sustainability and Economic Development in a Developing Context

Abstract

The chapter begins by providing an overview of the current situation in SSA, highlighting the prevalence of poverty and hunger in the region. It then analyzes the impact of Russia and Ukraine’s war on the region, exploring how it has exacerbated the existing poverty and hunger crisis. This writer believes that the war between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted the need for responsible leadership for social sustainability in a developing context in line with calls made by Nkechi Cordelia et al. (Int J Public Policy Adm Res 7(1):23–33, 2020), in their call for the need for accountability and transparent leadership in nation-building in Africa. That is why the author holds the view that to effectively address the poverty and hunger crisis in the region, leaders in the region must take a proactive approach to address the root causes of the crisis in their countries before looking at the exogenous factors. This includes investing in infrastructure and education, as well as developing policies and programs that promote social and economic development. It is also important for leaders to ensure that their policies and programs are socially and economically sustainable, considering the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Finally, the chapter discusses the need for responsible leadership for social sustainability in a developing context, drawing on examples from the region to illustrate the importance of this issue (Dibie and Dibie, Afr Public Serv Deliv Perform Rev 5(1):1–13, 2017). It is hoped that this chapter will serve as a useful resource for those seeking to understand the complex issues surrounding poverty and hunger in the region and the need for responsible leadership for social sustainability in a developing context.