The markets can't solve problems due to lack of critical resources. Market theory rests on the assumption that all needed resources are readily available. Deman

The markets can't solve problems due to lack of critical resources. Market theory rests on the assumption that all needed resources are readily available. Demand can be met my using capital to create more manufacturing facilities. Remove that assumption and market theory essentially collapses. Where market theory can still save the day is finding alternatives. If a key resource needed for the production and distribution of goods is missing then market forces will tend to produce an alternative. That works so long as an actual replacement exists and the cost of the replacement is in line with the original. Water is an irreplaceable resource - if you don't have water and you need it for production then you're pretty much screwed. The market won't "solve" that problem for you. If, as in this case, you need fertilizer then there may be an alternative but it may take several years to ramp up the production of that alternative and that alternative may be considerably more expensive than the original. This scenario leads to food shortages, food insecurity, and spiraling food costs. The market can't prevent these realities. In short, markets are just a tool and like all tools you need to understand their usefulness and limitations.