Neha BaruahA joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), released on October 31, 2024, highlights a sharp rise in acute food insecurity across 22 countries and territories. Covering the period from November 2024 to May 2025, the report identifies nations like Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Haiti as being among the hardest hit.
Countries Facing Severe Hunger
The report details 14 individual countries and two regional clusters grappling with critical food insecurity. These include Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Syria, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Haiti, Somalia, Chad, Niger, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Palestine (Gaza Strip), Kenya, Mali, Lebanon, Namibia, and Lesotho.
Conflict and armed violence are the primary drivers of hunger, destabilizing food systems, displacing populations, and hindering humanitarian aid. Sudan, Palestine, and South Sudan face the gravest risks of famine.
Current Hotspots
Key areas of concern include the Zamzam camp in North Darfur and the Gaza Strip, with Haiti, Mali, and South Sudan also experiencing dire conditions. Newly added hotspots include Kenya, Lesotho, and Namibia.
In the Central Sahel, escalating violence by non-state armed groups is exacerbating food insecurity, with northern Mali and Burkina Faso severely impacted by restricted access. Chad faces additional pressures from conflict and an influx of refugees from Sudan, while northern Nigeria is grappling with worsening security.
Regional Challenges
- Southern Africa: Northern Mozambique faces deepening food insecurity due to ongoing conflict.
- Asia: Myanmar’s economic instability, driven by violence, worsens the crisis.
- Latin America: Haiti’s escalating violence has displaced communities, pushing them into hunger.
Alarming Numbers
The report projects that 169.2 million people will face acute food insecurity across the affected regions. Key statistics include:
- Nigeria: 31.8 million
- Sudan: 21.1 million
- Yemen: 19 million
- Ethiopia: 15.8 million
- Myanmar: 13.3 million
- Syria: 12.9 million
- South Sudan: 7.1 million
Climate Impacts
Extreme weather and climate variability, compounded by the persistence of La Niña, are worsening the crisis. While some regions may benefit from improved agricultural conditions, others face devastating floods, particularly in Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique. Dry spells threaten Ethiopia and Somalia.
Call to Action
The FAO and WFP urge immediate global action to prevent the crisis from escalating further. Recommendations include conflict resolution, economic support, and climate adaptation strategies.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the WFP, called on world leaders to prioritize collaboration. “We need solutions that address the root causes of hunger, ensure safe humanitarian operations, and mobilize resources to fight this global challenge effectively,” she emphasized.
Neha Baruah
