An all-time high of 49 million people in 46 countries are experiencing a severe food crisis and could fall into famine unless they receive immediate lifesaving support, according to the World Food Program’s Hunger Hotspots report. This includes 750,000 people already facing famine conditions in Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
Conflict remains the key driver of hunger around the world. The war in Ukraine has further exacerbated the hunger crises in East Africa and elsewhere because of skyrocketing food and fertilizer prices. Climate disasters, like droughts and floods, are also a major driver of food insecurity.
The economic situation in Afghanistan deteriorated rapidly after the Taliban took control more than a year ago. More than 90% of the population has been pushed into poverty. More than six million people do not have enough food to eat, and hunger continues to rise.
Escalating conflict and extreme weather caused by climate change have worsened access to food in Ethiopia. The political situation, particularly in Tigray, remains volatile and violence has forced people to flee their homes and agricultural fields. At the same time, southern Ethiopia is currently experiencing the worst drought in 40 years.
Conflict is a key driver of hunger in Nigeria. Ongoing violence causes disruptions in markets and farming, severely limiting people’s ability to earn income and forcing families to leave their homes. It can be extremely difficult for humanitarian organizations to reach people living in areas controlled by armed groups to provide the support they need.
Crisis levels of hunger – combined with rising rates of cholera and measles –are hitting Somalia as a result of conflict, prolonged drought, and rising food prices. Approximately 1.8 million children in Somalia – more than half of the country’s children – are suffering from acute malnutrition and several areas are on the brink of famine.
In South Sudan, an anticipated fourth consecutive year of widespread flooding, conflict, and a weak economy are likely to intensify the hunger crisis in the world’s newest nation. An estimated 87,000 people were struggling to survive in famine conditions between April and June 2022.
Families living in war-torn Yemen face what has been called the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis.” A fragile truce was agreed upon in 2022, but civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict as thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Imports of food, fuel, and medicines are severely limited, and hunger continues to grow: 161,000 people are expected to experience famine conditions this year.
